Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, and at times, we find ourselves facing challenging situations that evoke stress and anxiety.

Dr. Maxwell Maltz was a cosmetic surgeon who wrote the book “Psycho-Cybernetics” in the 1960s. In his book, he explains how our self-image is the key to human personality and human behavior. He believed that changing our self-image can change our personality and behavior¹. He also believed that relaxation is nature’s own tranquilizer which erects a psychic screen or umbrella between you and the disturbing stimulus²

In the words of Dr. Maxwell Maltz, renowned psychologist and author, our emotions are not controlled by external circumstances but by our own responses to them.

In this blog post, we will explore how understanding Dr. Maltz’s insights can help us gain control over stress during difficult times and enable us to make wiser decisions.

1. Acknowledging the Power of Response:

Dr. Maltz reminds us that our emotions are not mere reactions to external events but are shaped by our responses. When we encounter a stressful situation, it is essential to recognize that we have the power to choose our response. Instead of letting stress overwhelm us, we can consciously respond with a calm and composed demeanor, setting the stage for constructive problem-solving.

2. Embracing Relaxation as a Shield:

Tension in our muscles signifies a readiness to act or respond, while relaxation does the opposite. By intentionally relaxing our muscles, we induce a mental state of tranquility that acts as a protective shield against external stressors. Embracing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises, can help us create an emotional barrier, shielding us from the turbulence of difficult situations.

3. Making Decisions from a Place of Calm:

When we face tough decisions, stress and anxiety can cloud our judgment, leading to impulsive choices we may later regret. Dr. Maltz’s wisdom encourages us to seek mental relaxation before making significant decisions. By finding a quiet moment to calm our minds and bodies, we can tap into our inner wisdom and intuition, paving the way for more thoughtful and rational choices.

4. Practicing Self-Compassion:

During challenging times, it’s essential to practice self-compassion and understand that stress is a natural response to difficulties. Instead of berating ourselves for feeling stressed, we should embrace the experience with kindness and compassion. Self-compassion allows us to be gentle with ourselves, helping us navigate through the storm with resilience and grace.

5. Building Emotional Resilience:

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and emotional resilience is particularly crucial during difficult times. Dr. Maltz’s teachings remind us that relaxation is nature’s tranquilizer, offering us the strength to endure life’s challenges. By consistently practicing relaxation techniques, we can bolster our emotional resilience, ensuring we remain steady even in the face of adversity.

6. Seeking Support and Perspective:

Difficult times can feel isolating, but we are not alone in our struggles. Reach out to friends, family, or a trusted mentor to share your burdens and gain fresh perspectives. Talking to others can help us see our challenges from different angles and may offer valuable insights we hadn’t considered before.

Dr. Maxwell Maltz’s profound insights on stress and response offer us a powerful toolkit to navigate through difficult times and make sound decisions. By understanding that our emotions are influenced by our responses, we gain the power to control our stress levels and embrace relaxation as a protective shield. As we traverse life’s challenges, let us remember to be kind to ourselves, seek support, and practice emotional resilience. In doing so, we unlock the potential to weather any storm with grace and emerge stronger than before.

Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon and author, said that “our disturbed feelings – our anger, hostility, fear, anxiety, insecurity, are caused by our own responses – not by externals.” This means that the way we react to difficult situations is what causes us stress, not the situation itself.

If we can learn to control our responses, we can reduce our stress levels and make better decisions. Here are some tips for controlling stress when going through difficult times and making difficult decisions:

• Identify your triggers. What are the things that make you feel stressed? Once you know your triggers, you can start to develop strategies for coping with them.
• Take some time for yourself. When you are feeling stressed, it is important to take some time for yourself to relax and de-stress. This could mean taking a few minutes to meditate, go for a walk, or read a book.
• Talk to someone you trust. Talking to someone you trust about how you are feeling can help you to feel less alone and more supported.
• Make a plan. When you are facing a difficult decision, it can be helpful to make a plan. This will help you to feel more in control of the situation and less stressed.
• Take things one step at a time. If you feel overwhelmed, break the decision down into smaller steps. This will make it seem less daunting and more manageable.
• Remember that you are not alone. Everyone goes through difficult times. Remember that you are not alone and that you will get through this.

Controlling stress when going through difficult times and making difficult decisions is not easy. However, it is possible. By following these tips, you can reduce your stress levels and make better decisions.

In addition to the tips above, here are some other things you can do to control stress:

• Get enough sleep. When you are well-rested, you are better able to cope with stress.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods will give you the energy you need to deal with stress.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood.
• Practice relaxation techniques. There are many relaxation techniques that can help you to reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.

If you are struggling to control stress on your own, there are professional resources available to help you. You can talk to a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional. They can teach you coping skills and help you to develop a stress management plan.

Disclaimer: The report is for public distribution and has been furnished solely for information. None can use the report as a base for any claim, demand or cause of action and, also none is responsible for any loss incurred based upon. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The author is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information. All sources of information acknowledged.