A Stress Test

During this time of living through a contentious election and a pandemic, many of us are feeling overwhelmed and stressed.  This will have a negative affect on our bodies if we do not try and relieve the stress.  

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. 

In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger when skiing down a dangerous slope.  Feeling stress when danger is imminently present is called acute stress and this is a healthy reaction.  

“Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it.”

Brian Tracy

It is when stress is prolonged or chronic, that it can cause health problems. For example, if you are facing money problems, difficulty at work, or a troubled relationship you may be under chronic stress.  So many of us find ourselves in this type of situation lately.

How do you know you are stressed?

• Do you often feel overwhelmed?
• Do you have trouble sleeping?
• Do yo often feel frustrated, nervous, or angry?
• Do you get a lot of headaches or stomachaches?
• Do you have a hard time relaxing?
• Do you eat too much or too little?
• Do you feel dread or panic thinking about everything you have to do?
• Are you grieving the loss of someone close to you?

I am sure many of us have answered yes to more than one of these questions.  

“Breath is the power behind all things…. I breathe in and know that good things will happen.”

Tao Porchon-Lynch

There are things we can do to help us relieve the stress we are feeling. 

• Aromatherapy
• Reflexology
• Make a list of the stressors and make a plan to deal with them.
• Relax – close your eyes and visualize a calming scene
• Meditate – use a guided meditation app
• Eat healthy
• Get plenty of sleep
• Breathe in, count to four, breathe out
• Spend time in nature
• Listen to music and dance
• Take a walk

People who find that stress is affecting their daily life should seek professional help. A doctor or Psychologist can work with you on stress management training.  It is important to recognize the reasons why we are under stress and do whatever we can to relieve the stress in order to live a happy and healthy life.  

“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” 

Fred Rogers