March 29, 2022–
I thought today I would talk about getting clarity around Stress!
Stress is emotional, physical tension, and mental response.
Stress is a normal human reaction and we are designed to react to it. It can be positive, keeping us motivated and ready to avoid danger, causing the automatic nervous system to kick in with the “flight-or-fight” response. Stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without any periods of relaxation. It can come from any event; loss of a job or loved one, a thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous, or meeting a deadline, or the changes we experienced due to COVID.
The physical symptoms include:
Aches and pains, Chest pains or feeling like your heart is racing, Exhaustion or trouble sleeping, Headaches, dizziness or shaking, High Blood Pressure, Muscle tension or jaw clenching, Stomach or digestive problems, Trouble having sex
Three Types of Stress:
- Acute Stress – You can experience multiple times of day, arguing with a partner,
getting stuck in traffic, getting a speeding ticket - Episodic Acute Stress – Occurs when there is too much stress or being overburdened. As with an “A” type personality who constantly worries. If not managed properly can lead to depression.
- Chronic Stress – Is consistent and persistent over time and is the most harmful. If left untreated by your medical professional can have severe consequences and lead to insomnia, obesity, heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes.
Stress can affect many aspects of your health & well-being. The
one thing we need more time for is to do nothing! Instead, take the time to relax and calm your body, mind, and heart. Take a breather, the easiest and most convenient way to relieve stress, anxiety, and it even aids in digestion.
➢ Try the 5-5-7 Breath. Breathe in five counts, hold a count of five, and exhale
slowly for seven counts. Practice this technique for one-two minutes or until you feel relaxed.
➢ Try meditating to understand your emotions and reduce brain chatter.
➢ Or develop a mantra “Relax, Relax, Relax,” “Breathe, Breathe, Breathe,” or “This
isn’t as important as I think it is” three times or until you believe it!
➢ Benefits to taking a walk or hiking in the fresh air. It is beneficial to
your mental health by increasing mindfulness and boots creativity.
➢ How about playing games to engage your creative side? I find online solitaire is
relaxing. I see a new rage is Wordle. Everyone is posting it on FB.
I have to mention CORTISOL, the stress hormone! The negative impact of Cortisol contributes to weight gain, HPB, sleep problems, lack of energy, brain fog, diabetes 2, osteoporosis, and a weakened immune system to infections.
Self-care is not selfish…. it is smart!
As a Health & Life Coach, I have the tools to empower you for clarity and
accountability to deal with the “stuff” life throws at you to live with “AGE-GILITY!”
Live Your Best Life and Trust your Truth!