Stress…What Can We Do?
Traffic, toxic boss, deadlines, taking care of elderly or sick family members, bills, family, children, work. These are some of the stressors we encounter, and if not handled well, they can interfere with our lives and health.
Stress, as explained by helpguide.org, is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you feel threatened, your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action.
According the American Institute of Stress, there are numerous emotional and physical disorders that have been linked to stress including depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, immune system disturbances that increase susceptibility to infections, a host of viral-linked disorders ranging from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and certain cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In addition stress can have direct effects on the skin (rashes, hives, atopic dermatitis, the gastrointestinal system (GERD, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis) and can contribute to insomnia and degenerative neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Each one of us has different ways of coping with everyday stress. There are activities that may provide temporary relief but do not help in the long run. Drinking & smoking can develop into vices which can affect our health & even increase your stress. Eating your stress out will not help especially if you are loading yourself with carbs & sweets. Emotional eating can make us feel good but not after you have gained weight, and your vitals are soaring high. Avoiding stress by isolation, according to New York Times, can reduce life expectancy.
Some of the common positive practical strategies to deal with the “bumps of life” are, taking a breath of fresh air, burning a scented candle, taking a warm bath, listening to music, taking a walk or exercising, and connecting to your spiritual side. Social support provides protection from the damaging effects of stress. Family & friends can make stress more bearable.
The list is long, but if these positive actions bring you balance, then go for it!
“Take your seat on the shore. Listen to the ancient voice in the waves. Taste the salt of life on your tongue. Run your fingers through the eternal sand. Breathe deeply. If you find yourself worrying about your cell phone and emails, if you find yourself feeling guilty that you should be doing “something important,” breathe deeply again. And again. Breathe deeply until every fabric of your being is reminded that this, being here, is your top priority. This is peace. This is wisdom. The work is a means to living, but this is the living.” – Brian Vaszily