Manage your stress, don't let it manage you!

       The American Psychological Association defines stress as "any uncomfortable emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes." Stress is how the brain and body respond to any demand. Demands, or stressors, can erupt in areas of our lives such as work, school , exercise, major life changes, or traumatic events. Minor stress affects people of all ages, races, and gender. All stress is not necessarily bad and negatively impact us. Stress can serve as a motivating factor to prepare or perform. For example, someone stressed out about passing at test, can use that stress to motivate them to study harder and achieve a good grade. On the other hand, severe and long-term stress can cause health problems. Stress increases blood pressure, as well as affects the heart and immune system due to the increase release of adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine. Increased levels of cortisol may lead to mood swings and anxiety, fatigue, irregular periods in women, muscle aches and pains, trouble sleeping, etc. 

       Luckily for us we have the power to help ease the stress in our lives, and decrease its affects on our body. One-third of all healing occurs without anyone doing anything other than a positive thought. A positive mental attitude is an essential tool to live a less stressful life. To manage the stress that arise from everyday life is observe how stress manifests in your life. Stress affects each individual in a unique way and we must first become aware of how it affects us individually. Understanding how stress affects us can help us to set goals and priorities to manage it. Small goals, such as a couple minutes of deep breathing, can help to decrease stress and to reduce adverse reactions of stress on the body and mind. For example, deep breathing can help to lower blood pressure by promoting blood flow, as well as release toxins. Full, deep inhalations followed by full, deep exhalations has astounding, positive affects on our health and wellness. Along with deep breathing, we can explore the option of incorporating other relaxing activities into our daily lives. Lastly, regular exercise is another way to decrease stress and its harmful affects on the body and mind. A twenty to thirty minute workout can help to boost mood and decrease stress. Walking, yoga, mediation, dancing, etc are all great ways to relax the body and mind. 

      Now take a deep breath and de-stress! Manage the stress, don't let it manage you...

Thanks for stopping by!
Peace & Blessings 
 

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Brandy Myers

Wellness Coach, CRT