Stress is usually unavoidable in the world around us.
Sometimes, it can really get us down, but stress can be a positive thing. It can stimulate
us and encourages us to evolve to meet our challenges. This article will discuss some of
the causes of so-called "bad" stress, as well as offer a couple of
"remedies" and even some tips on prevention.
We all feel stress occasionally due to situations not being
as we desire. Our stress level can rise depending on how we react emotionally. For
example, any anger we may feel about a situation can turn inward and result in feeling
angry at ourselves for being in the situation. This can have long-term effects on us.
Stress causes muscles to tighten, resulting in neck or
shoulder pain and headaches. Circulation of blood (and therefore oxygen) becomes limited
throughout the body. Notice this lack of circulation when your hands and feet feel cold.
Also, when we feel stress, our brain does not receive the oxygen it requires to function
at peak efficiency; the result being decreased mental ability which can lead to further
stress!
So what can be done to release the effects of the stress,
or at least limit its effect on us? Try breathing. It is a fact that most people breathe
very little in times of heavy stress. Imagine the effect on the entire body when we limit
the circulation of blood, and further limit the amount of oxygen being inhaled. If you can
take time out to take a few very deep breaths, it can help give you immediate relief.
Possibly another way to relieve some of the stress is to
take a moment to determine how much control you have over the situation. If there is
nothing you can do about it, try to accept the situation. However, if you CAN do something
about it, try focusing your energy on that goal. Sometimes, it can be quite beneficial to
remember the Serenity Prayer:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the
things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Now, what about preventing stress? Probably the best (and
possibly even the hardest) is by maintaining a positive attitude. We may not be able to
control the situations around us, but we have ultimate control over how we react to them!
When we feel stress, our body works harder to meet the
demands we place upon it, which can result in nutrient depletion. Let's consider improving
our diet. Eating mostly whole foods, plenty of vegetables, and fruit will help satisfy our
nutritional needs. ("Whole foods" are those which have not been refined, such as
whole wheat flour or brown rice.) Due to an imbalanced diet, many people need to turn to
stimulants to get them through the day; such as caffeine, nicotine, and sugar. These trick
the body into believing it is getting what it needs, but actually, they drain the body of
its reserves. Feed your body well so it can serve you well.
Herbs are a wonderful addition to the diet. They contain
essential nutrients in a natural plant form which can make them easier to assimilate than
vitamin pills (which are sometimes necessary). Herbs can enhance the rebuilding of healthy
tissue as well as cleanse toxic materials from the body. In capsule form, it is very easy
to include them in our daily routine.
Whatever method you choose to handle stress, it is vital
that some program be adopted. It can be the difference between controlling stress, or
having it control you. Make the choice today!
