The Pearls of Life:
101 Simple Ways to Health and Happiness
Manage
Stress
Life is full of
stressful events. When we encounter a threatening situation, our bodies
react with a stress response that helps avoid or make it
through the situation. The stress response initiates a cascade of
changes that tense up our muscles, speed up breathing and heartbeat,
increase blood pressure, and rev up energy production. This
“flight-or-fight” reaction helped our ancestors deal with life or death
circumstances, such as escaping from pouncing lions or fighting
marauding wolves in the wild.
But in modern
society, we can hardly run away (flight) when there is a deadline coming
up. In a difficult relationship, we cannot physically beat up (fight)
the other party. When the excessive energy buildup in the body does not
get released properly, and especially when it persists and simmers, it
can cause harm to our bodies. We may develop high blood pressure,
reduced immunity, heart problems, itchy skin, sleeping irregularities,
bowel movement problems, and/or a host of other physical ailments, in
addition to the mental stress. These can all contribute to physical and
mental aging.
An obvious solution
to dealing with stressors is to reduce or rid ourselves of them
altogether. But often it is beyond our power to do so. Fortunately, even
though we cannot change many external circumstances, we can change the
way we handle and manage them.
Not only does
stress management keep us healthy, but it also helps when we are ill.
Studies have shown its benefits in helping us recover from cancer and
heart attacks, as well as improve diabetes, headaches, psoriasis, and
many other ailments. In short, stress control improves the overall
quality of life for those of us with chronic illnesses.
It is therefore
important to manage our stress. Fortunately, there are many ways to do
so.
- Exercise.
- Listen to music
or relaxation tapes.
- Engage in
hobbies, whether collecting stamps, painting, playing music, writing,
reading, playing sports, etc.
- Get massages.
Learn how to massage yourself.
- Have adequate
rest.
- Get together with
other people (family, friends, therapy group, etc.).
- Take breaks from
work or chores. Go on a vacation.
- Get outdoors.
Enjoy nature.
- Keep a journal to
express yourself.
- Talk to someone
you trust.
- Get counseling.
- Practice mindfulness (see item
).
- Meditate (see item
).
- Breathe deeply and mindfully (see item
).
- Try cognitive therapy (see item
).