Summary Of Fight Of The Fazzled Mind

In his article “Fight of the Frazzled Mind,” Dr. Robert Epstein argues that the goal of living should be to attain a life that is productive, yet stress-free, because he believes with the right training and preparation, anyone has the ability to manage their stress—even before it starts. This can be achieved by using nondestructive, trainable skill sets, the two most important of which being stress prevention and source management. Many suggest, and put into practice, the belief that some stress is healthy, and can even assist one in becoming more productive. Dr. Epstein disagrees with this suggestion, and goes as far as to claim this “idea is flawed.” While he admits a low number of people “know how to be productive when they are not being pushed by stressors,” he goes on to stand by the idea that it is possible with the proper training. As an example of what we should strive to achieve, he cites the lifestyles of “masters of kung fu,” illustrating those who consistently perform well when relaxed. Epstein’s belief is only further cemented by the assumption indicating there is a weak relationship between stress and stressors themselves. This shows, as he says, “with the right training
and preparation, we might be able to face any stressor with equanimity.” Through decades of research on the subject of stress, it has been suggested that there are at least four nondestructive, trainable skill sets. These include: source management, relaxation, thought management, and prevention. Dr. Epstein himself notes he originally believed relaxation and thought management were the most important and beneficial of these skill sets, however, after a study he conducted—looking at how over 3,000 diverse people manage stress by having them take an online test—he found his predictions to be far from the outcome. In fact, the factors that were especially important were prevention and source management. While Epstein’s original predictions were based on the assumption that people have been known to benefit from relaxation techniques (such as yoga and meditation) and thought management (which is “perhaps the main thing that therapists and counselors teach their clients), there is an important distinction between his predictions and the results of the study. Relaxation and thought management tend to be reactive measures to reduce stress, while source management and prevention are typically proactive. This turns out to be what makes the two most important skill sets so beneficial—they include the effort put into reducing stress before it happens. Epstein’s study also shows that obtaining training to reduce stress from one’s life actually works.
He found that people who have had training in stress management are better at it than people who have not, and more hours of training produces better skills. Unfortunately, he also found that on average, people do not know basic stress-management techniques, and often fail when it comes to managing “the inevitable stress they face in their lives.” This rare ability to live a productive, stress-free life is so important to Dr. Epstein not only because stress can be obviously harmful, but because studies suggest that “nearly 25 percent of the happiness we experience in life is related to…our ability to manage stress.” The benefits of a stress-free life are worth the training it
takes. When comparing Dr. Epstein’s research to my own life, I have found to an interesting chance to critically think about my own methods of managing stress. When first asked the question “Do you believe that you manage stress successfully,” I would have originally answered with a definite “yes.” My reasoning for this would be based on the fact that I have always seen myself as a relaxed student who doesn’t usually feel stressed. In fact, throughout my entire life, I have been known to be extremely lacking of worry or stress. However, I have found I do get significantly stressed when faced with greater challenges than I am used to. For example, when I attained my first job, I became more stressed than ever before. This issue rarely surfaced however, which may have grown from my tendencies to suffer from heavy procrastination, yet then obtaining grades that have never truly reflected this. This has caused me to hardly worry about important assignments or due dates until the deadline is very close, unintentionally teaching myself I don’t need to worry. I have realized how unhealthy this habit has become, unfortunately. In fact, it has allowed me to see the reason I typically do not feel much stress comes from the fact that I do not frequently seek enough challenges. While this unhealthy avoidance of stressors at all costs may be a “method” I have employed, I also practice healthier competencies. My methods would include using thought management often—always being optimistic and thinking my way out of stress—and I have also found that I do indeed practice some techniques for relaxation (such as breathing deeply when faced with a challenge). After taking Dr. Epstein’s stress-management competency test for myself, I have discovered many interesting characteristics about how I truly manage stress. With a score of 92% in “Manages or Reduces Sources of Stress,” I have a strong ability to avoid being stressed by avoiding the source altogether. This is evident in my organization and scheduling, but I think the most important information from this is that it describes my tendency to avoid challenges, that of which I previously discussed. My original understandings of how I avoid stress are consistent with my second highest scored topic: thought management. The two lowest scoring skill sets I tested on were unsurprisingly “Plans and Prevents” and “Practices Relaxation Techniques.” While I do practice deep breathing, I have a definitive lack of consistent relaxation methods. Most significantly of all, however, is my low score in stress prevention. While this score was expected—I seem to lack the willpower to plan ahead and begin work early before a deadline—it is especially problematic following the results of Dr. Epstein’s study. While it is discomforting to discover my apparently weakest skill set turns out to be the skill set of most importance, according to Epstein, it is ultimately a motivating realization. I have come to agree with Epstein’s belief that our goal should be to achieve a life that is productive but also virtually stress-free, however I’m not sure I agree with his suggestion that it is readily attainable. While I believe it is possible, I understand how daunting the task to rid one’s life of stress can be. So daunting, in fact, that the idea of achieving the task itself may contribute to one’s own stress. That being said, the enormous benefits of life with reduced stress can’t be denied, and Dr. Epstein’s research is in full support of his belief that the with the right training and preparation, anyone has the ability to manage their stress successfully.