Stress, we all have it and we cannot control it, but it can
be managed. Stress is a combination of responses in the body and is necessary
for our survival. It’s a “fight or flight” response to a serious or life
threatening situation. When a bull comes
charging at you, it is a very good idea to run. This is what can save your
life. Common stressors are normal, and
we have developed the ability to cope with it. It is the chronic type of stress
that is absolutely toxic; it is outright fatal to our health and wellbeing.
There are a lot of things that can cause stress. We may feel stress when we go on a job
interview, take a test, or run a race. These kinds of short-term stresses are
normal. There is another kind of stress that can even lead to severe health
problems and these are long-term (chronic) stresses and they are usually caused
by stressful situations or events that last over a long period of time like major
life changes, such as dealing with the death of a parent or spouse, losing your
job, getting married, or moving to a new city.
It can be insidious as it works its way into our lives
before we are aware of the cost but we don’t have to be a victim of chronic
stress. We must learn to recognize and remedy the situation that triggers it.
By being aware of the symptoms and the sensations of stress, we avoid it even
before it starts. Stress causes changes
in our body which can also affect our emotions. Constant stress can make a person
more likely to get sick often. The common symptoms includes fast heartbeat,
headache, back pain, sweating, upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea.
Stress Management can be a powerful tool for wellness. There are a lot of approaches and one of them
is all about the kind of food we eat. Foods
can help control stress in many ways. Comfort
foods can boost the level of serotonin which calms the brain. There are other
foods that can reduce the level of cortisol and adrenalin which are stress
hormones that take a toll on the body overtime.
By building up the immune system and lowering blood pressure, a healthy
diet can counter the impact of stress. Stress busting foods like Complex Carbs supply
a steady feel-good chemicals to the brain. Oranges curb level of stress hormones
and fishes like salmon and tuna are rich in Omega 3 which prevent a surge in
stress hormones. Aside from stress
busting diets, regular exercise is one effective way to manage stress. Doing
aerobic exercise boosts oxygen circulation and spurs the body to produce
feel-good chemicals called endorphins.
The best way to manage stress is to learn healthy ways of
relaxing the mind and body such as letting negative feelings out, laughing,
crying and expressing anger when needed. Talking with friends, family or a
member of the clergy is another healthy way to relieve stress.
In a nutshell, it is vital that we monitor and manage the
stresses in our lives and make the commitment to take care of ourselves. We will most likely deal with stress in our
daily lives but if we are living a balanced life, our perception and reaction to
stress will be healthier.
