This document uses an extended apple analogy to represent stress and pressure. It describes how carrying an apple can start as a light burden but become increasingly heavy and stressful over hours. Similarly, stress may initially provide focus but over time can become all-consuming and detrimental to thinking clearly. The document suggests dealing with stressors by taking breaks, sharing the burden with others, or clearing your mind after the day is done.

1. STRESS
The Apple analogy
RM001

2. AnApple
Delicious and crunchy an apple is one of the popular fruits
containing an impressive list of antioxidants and essential nutrients
required for good health. Apples are amongst the top contributors
to total flavonoid intake, high in Fibre and vitamin C.
An apple can provide an energy boost and improve your mood.
The apple represents stress, being given a little pressure to
perform at your best.
RM002

3. Here'sanApple
How heavy is an apple??
It depends on how long you hold it. If you hold it for a minute, it's
light, almost nothing.
Pressure or stress, just like an apple can provide a focus and an
energy boost. It can have a positive influence and improve
performance in the short term.
RM003

4. Afterafewhours...
The apple no longer looks quite so delicious..
Your hand or arm may start to ache.
The weight of the apple hasn't changed, but its burden feels
heavier and cumbersome.
Stress or pressure can have the same effect after the initial benefit,
over time it can start to have a detrimental effect. Your focus starts
to shift towards the stressors and away from the solutions.
RM004

5. AfterseveralHOURS..
To quote a classic Queen songs lyrics…
“ Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you, no man ask for
Under pressure that burns a building down….”
By now your arm will be aching and your hand numb. This delicious and
nutritious apple no longer feels light, it's fast become the only thing that
matters, a crushing weight.
“I dont like apples anymore.”
The weight of the apple hasn't changed, but its burden now feels
unending.
Stress itself becomes all consuming and the longer time goes on,
the more destructive the effect on your ability to think clearly, rest
properly or deal with anything effectively.
RM005

6. lIGHTENTHELOAD
So take a bite..
After all, it is delicious and nutritious, plus you will lighten the load.
This will give a short term respite you will after all have reduced the
burden a little, it's a no brainer as they say.
Stress is no different, dealing with and removing a stressor will
improve the situation.
RM006

7. aLMOSTATTHECORE
The core for some is edible. For most however it is not something
pleasant in terms of flavor or texture. Eating the core would bring
no pleasure.
Holding on to the core, is no different to the apple as a whole.
Remember it felt light at the start!
Stress is no different. People often overlook, ignore or try to
disregard the core of the issues causing the stress.
RM007

8. sHAREITOUT
A possible solution?
“ Caring is sharing… ”
Cut the apple up into small tasty, bite sized slices. Offer or give
these to your colleagues.
Doing this effectively removes all of the stressors and provides
everyone with a small boost in performance.
Its got to beat carrying that apple around all day?
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9. ATTHEENDOFTHEDAY
Remember to put what's left of the apple down, better still throw it
away, tomorrow there may well be another apple waiting, you don't
want to be holding two of them now do you !
Once home, clear your mind. The day's done, there's nothing more
to be done. Tomorrows another day.
RM009

10. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
Please feel free to comment,
open discussion is welcome.
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Richard
RM010