Stress Management by Connaire Kensit

Arts Richmond

Online - 18 October 2020

Stress Management

(AEQVAM ∙ MEMENTŌ ∙ RĒBVS ∙ IN ∙ ARDVĪS ∙ SERVĀRE ∙ MENTEM)

('Remember to keep a cool head when things get tough')
There's a harsh dyspeptic feeling when you don't know what to do,
When both horns of a dilemma seem to gore you through and through;
That's a time to stick with logic: “Brain take charge! Be firm and bold!”
Tell those turbulent emotions, “Sit, you dogs! Do as you're told!”
Though adrenalin be rushing, keep them quiet and out of sight:
Traffic jams and loss of income can't be cured by fight or flight.
Concentrate your mind on struggles where a failure brings no harm,
Like a game of chess, or patience; then return with less alarm
To the woeful situation — love betrayed, or loved one's death —
Calmly calculate response; but first inhale a slow, cool breath.
And when stress is at its strongest be most wary of advice
Pressed by ill-informed companions who are trying to be nice;
Don't forget that you're the expert on the life and times of you.
Have no snake-oil salesman, priest or friend determine what you'll do.
Don't imagine drastic problems need recourse to drastic acts:
Squelch the heart's rash urgent hunches; use your head, and check your facts.
It's as well to leave off digging when already down a hole:
That's no time to dump your lover, quit your job or sell your soul.
To escape a sea of troubles and come safely to the shore
Calls for less of cost and effort, less complexity, not more.
Just stay calm and solve a crossword, clip a hedge, or bake a cake.
Then, with minimal upheaval, plot the course you plan to take.