Stress is inevitable. It happens as we adapt to changing conditions. And…everything is always changing.
Although, it’s impossible to avoid stress, it is very possible to respond to it in healthful ways and reduce its negative effects. You need to react quickly and adjust your response in order to soften the harsh results of stress.
The biggest problem is when stressors come one right after the other, leaving no room for respite or relief. We need the ebb and flow of stress-relief-stress-relief-stress-relief. Without the moments of relief, the stresses can become unbearable.
Physical symptoms begin to occur. Headaches, stomach problems, high blood pressure, sleeplessness, and even chest pain can result from being overly stressed. High stress affects all of the basic systems of the body in some way:
- Central nervous and endocrine system
- Respiratory and cardiovascular system
- Digestive system
- Muscular system
- Sexuality and reproductive system
- Immune system
This is why relieving stress as much as possible is very important.
People often try to relieve stress in the wrong ways—self-medication through alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. However, these things do not really relax the body at least not for any length of time. They actually keep you in a stressed state because the body is fighting off the ill-effects of these toxins.
Try these things and ideas to bring peace and reduce the harmful effects of stress:
- Listen to music, especially classical or soothing instrumental.
- Call a friend for a reassuring chat.
- If no one else is available, speak your troubles out loud to yourself. Just vocalizing them helps to put things into perspective.
- Watch a comical movie or even a short, comical video on Youtube.
- Drink some tea. It’s healthy and brings calming effects to the brain.
- Take a walk and stretch out your muscles to release endorphins and lift your mood quickly.
- Take a 20-minute nap or at least lie down and close your eyes for 20 minutes. Just be still.
- Breathe deeply for few minutes. Count your blessings and breathe in gratitude.
- Put on a smile, even if it feels fake. Even a forced smile can trick your brain into feeling better. It uses the same muscles as a genuine smile.
- Adult coloring books are everywhere. Remember what it’s like to be a care-free kid again.
- Read a book. Better yet, read a book outside if the weather is nice.
- Take a bath or soak in a hot tub and let the warm water soothe every muscle in your body.
- Pet a dog or cat
- Do something artistic even if it’s just for fun – paint, draw, write a poem, sculpt with clay, play a musical instrument, make a craft, etc. You might even end up with something that you created that you love.
- Call Massage Envy (http://www.massageenvy.com/) and make an appointment for a massage today. A massage will enable your mind and your muscles to totally relax.
- And…last but certainly not least…pray and cast your cares, worries, and anxieties on the God who loves you. He is strong enough to carry the burdens that so dreadfully weigh you down.
Have a great and stress-free weekend!
