The Monkey Trap: A 7 Step Guide to De-Stress and Live a Happy Life

Today is a big day for me… I have this exam which I need to clear. I have studied well and am ready to go write my exams. I reach school and see most of my friends still poring over their books. I tell myself that I am well prepared, but then suddenly my mind tells me what if I have missed out on something, have ireally done all the chapters… and then my mind goes on an overdrive and stress sets in. I see the examination paper and my mind goes blank….

I have burnt the midnight oil and prepared my presentation. I have practiced it well in front of the mirror, in front of my friends, colleagues etc. All of them boost my confidence and tell me I am going to be great. I reach the conference room and suddenly develop cold feet. My breath is hitched and I start stuttering.. I go through the presentation in a daze. My palms start to sweat and I wish I could just run away…..

Sounds familiar? Yeah, most of us would relate to the above situations we would have gone through in life at one time or the other. So, what exactly happened? I am well prepared and I feel confident but then suddenly your mind goes into self-doubt. This self-doubt is the starting point for stress.