We all deal with stress in our lives. Some of us have to deal with it on a regular basis while others might need to face it occasionally. It can be extremely overwhelming to deal with and it is like an invader into our stable, calm home. It can easily be seen as an enemy to our happiness and joy. It doesn’t have to be though. If we acquire the right life tools to handle it, we can actually learn to embrace it, learn from it and almost befriend it. It doesn’t need to be an enemy, if we change our way of thinking and see it as information we are needing to analyze in our life, possibly something we can learn about ourselves or others around us. Ultimately, it can be a life lesson, if we learn and listen.
When it comes to stress, most of us are ill-equiped to deal with it. Especially when dealing with the top 5 stressors in life:
- death of a loved one
- divorce
- job loss
- major illness or injury
- moving
Not only do we suffer emotionally or mentally from life stress, but as well physically. Our body instinctively responds to change and outside threats, whether they be perceived or reality. Our body reacts by releasing stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol to switch into our fight and flight mode. And, once our body experiences stress it can contribute to symptoms and issues related to:
- digestive
- inflammation
- anxiety
- bone density
- sleep
- sexual health
- immune
Regular and daily stress takes its toll in so many ways. As we are constantly bombarded by so many life changes and feel threatened, we don’t even use the fight and flight response any longer, we just stay “reactive”. We are literally in constant use of our stress hormones. So how do we manage this problem?
BY TAKING ACTION:
- keep moving – get physically active to shake up the stress hormones – exercise, walk on the spot, do anything to reboot your body and change your physical reaction to stress
DEEP BREATHING:
- pause! Tune inwards into yourself, consider using meditation, mindfulness or positive affirmations and realign your mind, with your body. Take control of your thoughts, fears, emotions. You are the master of your mind.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF:
- set free your feel-good endorphins – if even for 30 seconds at a time. Allow yourself to feel good, even if going through a difficult time. Discover self-care such as massage or relaxation therapies
By using these 3 techniques, even 10 minutes a day, you will be well on your way to learning to control some of your life stressors. They will assist in improving your health, longevity, productivity and boost immunity. And, the best time to start these techniques is before stressors occur so that you are better able to handle stress when it comes your way.
Find the time to reduce your daily stressors. It is a very wise investment in your life, health and happiness.
