We’ve
all heard the term “stress management”. Stress comes from many sources and
takes many forms and it DOES impact us. No matter how organized, flexible, or
laid back we are, sooner or later we get stressed. Life happens - but we can
learn some effective ways to cope with the stressors in our lives.
Stress
is both good and bad. Good stress can excite and motivate us. It keeps us
engaged in the world. We know we get bored when stress levels are too low and
nothing much is required of us. A task or an event can cause some anxiety, that
jumpy feeling in our stomach, and keep us awake at night – but it can also
sharpen our thinking and boost our energy. We get fired up! We love the
challenge!
The
bad stress is the kind that causes distress and includes three components: the
things that cause distress, like danger or illness; the internal negative
feelings, such as worry, anger, depression; and the physical or biological
changes, including increased heart and respiration rates, headaches, or stomach
upset. When stress levels are too high for too long it becomes distress;
emotional and physical damage begins to occur. Our goal is to find the right
level of energizing stress and avoid disabling distress. A place to begin is to
see distress as a signal to change our thinking or behavior – to realize that
our responses are not serving us.
Have
you heard the phrase “Change your thinking, change your life”? It
contains much truth. No circumstance or event has meaning until we make an
interpretation and attach meaning. Stress does not exist outside of you. It
happens inside your mind and body and you are completely in charge of your
stress level. We can’t choose our circumstances, but we can choose our response
to them and prevent becoming distressed. Remember, circumstances change and
this, too, shall pass.
We
know that chronic, intense stress causes emotional and physical damage. There
is evidence that it also shrinks our brain. In rat studies conducted by Dr.
Bruce McEwen at Rockefeller University in NYC, chronic stress diminished the
number of neurons in the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain associated
with attention and decision making. It could mean the same for us humans,
changing the way our brains work and look, costing us some mental flexibility
and agility. The good news is that the changes can be reversed. I believe that
God designed our bodies to heal when we give them the right environment,
including rest, exercise, good nutrition, meaningful work, love, and laughter.
Aerobic
exercise has been shown to reverse the effects of aging on our memory and
thinking speed. A study at the University of Illinois showed an increase in the
number of neurons in the brain and the connections between those neurons in
participants who exercised three times per week. Other benefits of regular, heart pumping exercise include fewer and less severe illnesses,
better balance, faster reaction times, and REDUCED STRESS! Don’t you just LOVE
how God designed us so life weaves and connects us to each other and provides the answers?
Research
suggests that shorter, more frequent prayer and meditation times can rewire
your brain for greater happiness, compassion, and gratitude. Simply whisper, "Thank you" during your day.
Get
out and play! Take your kids and run, jump, fly a kite, swing, jog, bike, throw
a ball, swing a bat, have a picnic, and laugh until you fall down and your
sides stitch and your face aches. Then hug and hug some more!
Blessings,
Beth
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