STRESS

 STRESS

All of us hear the word stress frequently. Usually it is in a negative way; such as we have too much stress in our lives. It can weigh a person down.  However, there is another way to look at stress. There is good stress and bad stress PLUS there is a very important thought for all of us to remember. Stress is normal and is not a bad sign or a good sign, just simply a fact of life. It is inevitable. It is a part of our day to day existence. What is very important is to remember the key phrase that it is not so much the stress BUT our reactions to stress. 

                 

If even saying the word out loud makes you feel tired and anxious then it has been greatly magnified in your brain and is controlled by your mindset. Actually, there is such a thing as good stress and bad stress or healthy stress and unhealthy stress. Healthy stress is ultimately positive. It can help us grow by pushing us outside of our comfort zone while the unhealthy stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health. It can give us a feeling of helplessness, as if there is no escape from the situation in sight. 

Basically, it can be turned around by starting with our attitudes toward it. If we make a conscious effort to be proactive and take back control then we can change bad stress to healthy stress. Yes, I can hear you now saying to yourself that it is something that I can't control. That may be true but I know for a fact that I have the power to choose what actions to take over whatever uncontrollable situation comes my way. We all have that power!

I know that it is easy to have tunnel vision when it comes to stress so the important thing is to start taking control of our choices. 

Recognize that there is good stress. This is called "EUSTRESS." It is the kind of stress that we feel when we get excited and our pulse quickens, hormones surge, yet there is no real threat of danger or fear. This can be when we ride a roller coaster, compete in a game or sport or perhaps go to off to your first job.

The other kind of stress can come from many other sources, some of which may be personal while others not so personal, yet out of our control. Just remember that we do have choices of how we will handle it and this in turn helps to relieve some of the built up stress. Just the basic fact that we have a plan helps.

Some of the tips that I have read about and use religiously are:

• identifying my triggers that cause stress
• maintaining a positive attitude
• trying to avoid multi-tasking - one job at a time
• learning to say no, especially to make more time for myself (this is NOT selfish- it is keeping me mentally and physically healthier)
• staying socially connected
• exercising and eating healthy

Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it gets you nowhere!

Art work or anything creative can be very relaxing. There are many ways to help relieve stress as we focus on our positive attitudes.