Protect Your Body and Soul from the Harmful Effects of Stress
by Sheila McCormick on January 20th, 2010
Loading ...The kids are screaming and yelling at each other, the washing machine is on the blink, a pile of overdue bills covers the kitchen counter, dinner is burning on the stove and your company just announced another downsizing which could put your job in jeopardy. Our daily lives are filled with problems, frustrations and demands that can overwhelm us and stress us out.
While some stress is beneficial because it can motivate and energize us or alert us to impending danger, too much stress can take a serious toll on our physical and emotional health. Left unchecked, chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems including headaches, stomach problems, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and immune system deficiencies. If you frequently find yourself feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, it’s time to take action to bring your mental and physical health back into balance.
Although you can’t completely eliminate stress from your life, you can find ways to control it before it causes you harm. Since everyone has a unique response to stress, there is no “one size fits all” solution to managing it. Focus on what makes you feel calm and in control.
One of the most important things you can do is make some time for yourself. For many people, relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing support the body’s relaxation response. When practiced regularly, they can reduce stress levels and increase your ability to stay calm and collected when life throws you a curve ball.
Get sufficient sleep and eat a balanced diet. Take a walk in the woods, read a funny book, treat yourself to a massage, listen to soothing music or enjoy a long relaxing soak in the tub. Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts takes only a few minutes a day and can be very helpful in helping you identify and cope with your stressors.
To the extent that you can, avoid people who stress you out and seek out those who make you feel good. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system is a major defense against the negative effects of stress.
Time management is critical in stress reduction. If you are always running behind, it’s hard to stay calm and focused. But if you plan ahead and make sure you don’t overextend yourself, you’ll find it’s easier to go with the flow. There are many great books, videos and seminars about time management. Check out the resources available and find the plan that works best for you.
Make this the year that you eliminate negative stress from your life. Your body and soul will thank you for it.
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