Stress affects people in different ways. How it affects you depends on your emotional and frustration tolerance. Dr. Daniel Siegal, a psychiatrist, expanded on this concept with his construct of the window of tolerance. He described window of tolerance as an ideal zone where when you’re faced with stressful situations, you’re able to cope with them in a calm and engaged manner without feeling overwhelmed by them. You’re able to process your emotions with a rational mind. Here are some signs that you are within your window of tolerance:
- You can maintain your personal boundaries and not feel exploited by your circumstances
- Your reaction to the stressor is appropriate for the situation
- You feel safe
- You predominantly stay in the present moment to deal with the situation instead of ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. In other words, whatever the situation, you can face it, deal with it and manage your emotions around it.
For some situations you can have a wide window where it takes a lot to break you and sometimes you can have a narrow window where you can be easily pushed outside of the window.
Watch the video for more on what it’s like to be outside of your window.
Coloring mandala patterns is a way to engage in mindful creativity. Here are some free patterns to get you started.
Click here or the image to download.
I am so very Thankful for You and all your wealth of information , your the only Dr in your field that has ever made sense ! Sincerely Lisa Craig