I read a much needed article and wanted to share. Especially since life and the holidays can trigger a whole lot of it… stress!
Believe it or not, stress isn’t always bad. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life – giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. Stress can also help you rise to meet life’s challenges. It’s what keeps you on your toes during a presentation at work, sharpens your concentration when you’re attempting the game-winning free throw, or drives you to study for an exam when you would rather be watching TV. But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts being harmful.
Too much stress isn’t good for you. Chronic stress can put you at risk for health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, obesity, depression and anxiety. It can damage your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life. Stress suppresses your immune system, upsets your digestive and reproductive systems, and speeds up the aging process. Chronic stress can also make an existing health condition worse.
The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feel familiar – even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll. The reason why is that stress can show up in different ways. Some people feel moody or tired. Others sleep too much or too little, or eat too much or too little. Stress can even trigger headaches, stomachaches, or nausea. You can’t make stress go away, but you can reduce it. Here are some ways:
Adapt healthy habits. We have all heard it before, but it does help to hear it again. Make exercise a part of your routine. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and using relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, and prayer can also reduce stress.
Take a break. Tune in to your body to know when you really need a break, whether it’s just for a walk, for a few hours, a day, or a week.
Know what you can and can’t control. Family members fall ill, work gets crazy, and extra guests show up for dinner. Focus your energy on what’s within your control and try to let go of the rest.
Tap into humor. A good belly laugh can lift your mood. Watch a funny movie, read a humorous book, or laugh with family and friends.
Shift your focus. On a daily basis, jot down what you’re grateful for. This can help shift your focus from your worries to all the things that are going well in your life.
Make time for your passion. Do you tend to loose track of time when you do a certain activity? For me it is writing and art. Carve out time for it on a regular basis. Whatever it is, don’t focus on the end result, instead, just enjoy the process.
Manage your time wisely. Hone your time-management skills. For example, make a list (I do) of everything you want to finish that day and rank tasks in order of importance. If you have a big project on your plate, break it into smaller tasks. Instead of trying to juggle multiple things at once, focus on one thing at a time. Learn to delegate tasks, minimize interruptions and say no.
Talk to someone. Talking with friends and family is a great way to lower stress. Talking can help release pent-up feelings. Your confidant can give you support or even suggest new ways of looking at a problem. You can also reach out to a professional for guidance or a support group.
Cuddle with a pet. Research shows that spending time with a pet can boost your mood! I can totally attest to that. Also, pets are very good listeners!!!
Create a calm home. After a hectic day at work, your home can be a sanctuary. Start by de-cluttering your home. To decorate, choose soothing colors (think blue, green, or neutral hues) and bring in natural elements, such as plants and wood. Turn off the TV and turn on a soothing sound track, such as the sound of ocean waves or a mountain stream.
Stress is a part of life and as much as you may want to, you can’t avoid it. However, the ideas above can hopefully help you keep it under control so that you can live a happier, healthier life and enjoy this holiday season!