Faculty News
Counselling
FIONA BAUDINETTE
Student Counsellor
How to Deal with Frustration When it's Out of Our Control
During this time of self-isolation and restrictions due to Covid-19, frustration, for most people is the most heightened emotion we are experiencing.
We are:
Frustrated that we cannot do the things we usually do.
Frustrated at the inconsistency of self-isolation rules.
Frustrated that we cannot see the people we would like.
Frustrated that our work is not the same as it was.
Frustrated that we are not working or have lost our job.
Frustrated that the Coronavirus has had such a huge impact on the economy.
Frustrated that all this is happening, and we have no control over it.
It is particularly frustrating for all when we are unable to control our lives in the way we normally would. For some who like to have control, this can be extremely distressing. So how can we handle frustration in this time when we have no control?
Frustration is a stress that causes the release of adrenaline and other neurochemicals, which can act together to make us behave impulsively and perhaps aggressively. Before you shout, hit something or yell at someone, stop and mentally go back over the frustrating events or facts. If the frustration is out of your control as they are with Covid-19 restrictions, then it is important that you try to accept things for what they are. Until you begin accepting it, even if you don’t agree with it, you cannot deal with the frustration effectively. Once you come to terms with the fact that you cannot change the situation, you can begin to manage and change your feelings towards it.
When we fight against something we cannot control, it prolongs the negative feelings that come with it. Negative energy weighs much heavier than positive energy. It releases cortisol through the body, which if prolonged, can have significant impact on both the mind and body. It is important, therefore, to accept the things we cannot control in order to exist in a more peaceful state. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “God grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change.” If you’ve realised that you cannot control the situation, then why continue to struggle against it?
So, what can we control in this time of little control? Our reaction to it! We can control how we deal with these normal frustrations and how we move beyond, to acceptance and patience. The first thing to do is to take action. By doing, we alleviate a great deal of frustration, anxiety and helplessness. We begin to take control, which is the very thing we didn’t have when we were frustrated. You could talk to someone and say your worries out loud. This helps gain perspective and tends to reduce frustration quickly. You could go for a brisk walk, run, do some yoga or any form of exercise you enjoy. Make sure you get your heart rate up to reduce the adrenaline in your body. If peace is your solace, then meditate to distract and calm your thoughts. Alternatively, you could even help someone else! A proven way to distract yourself from your worries and increase endorphins at the same time, so that you immediately feel better. Helping someone, often brings perspective to your own frustrations and worries, allowing you to see that it’s not as bad as you thought.
Once you have taken action, shift your thoughts. What is the good in the restrictions we are all placed under? What is the good in Coronavirus? What is the good in the change to your life? I promise you, there is positive in ALL negative, if we look hard enough to find it. Once you find it, you will immediately notice your frustration reduce, your happiness increase and calm restored. If you follow these principles with all frustrations you face, not just those related to coronavirus, imagine the change you will make to your life. There’s a positive already! Our current situation gives you an opportunity to develop and strengthen this skill.
If however, you are unable to control your frustration by following the points suggested and you are about to explode with anger from the build-up of frustration, then before the yelling begins, STOP. Imagine a square box in front of you. Breathe in slowly to the count of four as you trace your eyes across the top of the box. Breathe out slowly to the count of four as you visualise coming down the side of the box, count slowly to four again across the bottom and then up the other side of the box. Repeat until the adrenaline in your body has stabilize enough for your emotions to settle. We are all stronger than we realise and this is a perfect opportunity to strengthen your skill of dealing with frustration. If you want to improve this skill, you will. It’s just a matter of wanting to and knowing how.
Good luck!
Learning Enhancement
JOANNE ZACHARAPOULOS
Learning Enhancement Coordinator
Term 1 Lunchtime Clubs
During Term 1, the School was fortunate to have the creative talents of Ms. Vicky Lambropoulos on student placement in Community Service.
As part of Vicky’s placement to engage students in community service and to encourage and promote inclusivity, diversity and respect, she organised regular lunchtime activities for the students in the Junior School. These activities included Social Club, Art Club, Pop Up Clubs and Culture Club. The students enjoyed and appreciated the activities, and had many opportunities to shine and express their own talents. Below is a selection of photographs of the students participating in these various Clubs.
The Parents’ Website
The Parents’ website, features many articles with invaluable information and support for parents, particularly during this challenging Covid-19 time. Michael Grose, one of Australia’s leading parenting educators, has published an article on ‘Forget the parenting rule book, and create your own’ which discusses how our current new life in the family cocoon gives parents a chance to rethink their own habits.
Please click on the link below to read the article. You can also subscribe to The Parents’ Website and get regular updates straight to your inbox.