Keeping up with the changes and stress of daily life can be challenging. Each moment of every day, we are faced with choices. Some choices are small and inconsequential, others can be life-changing and seemingly insurmountable. Some are handled with grace, others… well some changes are quite explosive. It just depends on the person and the circumstances. Change, whether big or small, can be stressful. So the purpose of this blog is to discuss stress and how to better handle it when the winds of change come sweeping across our lives.
There are many definitions of the word “stress.” For the purpose of this blog, the definition I use is this: “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances”(According to Bing dictionary). This strain and tension affects all areas in your body.
Effects of stress include: Headache, muscle tension or pain, stomach upset, Sleep problems, anxiety, Restlessness, Lack of motivation or focus, Feeling overwhelmed, Irritability or anger, Sadness or depression, just to name a few. If stress is not handled well and continues over time, it can contribute to many health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
So how do we handle it? There are many ways to manage stress. These are what I use personally. First, take some time to relax! Whether this is getting a massage, taking some time to meditate, going to a spa with friends, treating yourself to a nice lunch, or simply taking some time to yourself to allow yourself to decompress and recharge. Nothing is going to happen if you don’t take care of yourself.
Second, stick with it! Stress doesn’t just go away. This relaxing you-time needs to be on a regular basis, whatever that might look like. There are various relaxation techniques available for research on the internet. Pick something that resonates with you and stick with it.
Last and most important, BREATHE! When stress is apparent and in the forefront on your life, it changes your breathing to fast and shallow chest breathing. Remembering to deepen your breath, slow it down and breathe from your diaphragm will help to refocus your mind and relax your body to better deal with whatever the stress is occurring from.
Stress comes with change, be it a sudden change in your plan for the day, or getting married. Instead of standing against the winds of change, embrace it! Breathe it in and channel that energy into making the changes that will resonate with your truest and highest self.