Living With Stress

Stress is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a constraining force or influence: as a force exerted when one body or body part presses on, pulls on, pushes against, or tends to compress or twist another body or body part; especially: the intensity of this mutual force. The deformation caused in a body by such force. A physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or emotional tension and may be a factor in disease causation: a state resulting from stress, especially one of a bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium.

The above definition sounds very technical and highly involved, however, what it all means is that the body is being targeted with things beyond our control, whether it is emotional, work related or any other factor that controls our daily living. Now more than ever, we live in stressful times. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, our stress ratio has increased a thousand fold. Terrorism is on every persons mind, and even beyond that, we must be on guard against identity theft and the scam artists who are just waiting to take advantage of you. There is no getting around it; stress is everywhere. Some individuals are able to cope with it, while others will succumb to it.

Dealing with stress is an individual problem. Some people will recognize that there is a stressful problem at hand and will be able to deal with it. Other individuals who are exposed to a stressful situation will not be able to cope. These are the individuals that will have their lives severely impacted. The most stressful situations that the average individual will have to deal with are:

1. Illness and chronic pain.
2. Loneliness.
3. Financial.
4. Marital problems.
5. Loss of a family member or companion.
6. Dreary weather that keeps us indoors for long periods of time.
7. Work related problems.

Individuals who are exposed to any of the above situations for a lengthy period of time may find them being overwhelmed and are unable to cope with it. This will have an enormous affect on all the systems of the body. Throwing the body into such turmoil can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, lowering the strength of the immune system, emotional problems, and finally thoughts of suicide.

Recognizing and combating stress must be taken seriously. It can only be successful if the individual knows they are in a stressful situation, and they must want to take it seriously and find ways to combat it. They must start their own program and dedicate themselves to it without reservation. The following are suggestions for just such a program:

1. Start by getting a good nights sleep. Go to bed at the same time every night. Without enough rest the body’s immune system can be overwhelmed and other illnesses can occur.
2. Nutrition is of course extremely important. Eating a well balanced diet will assure that the body is getting enough antioxidants, carbohydrates, protein, fiber and just enough fats (not animal fats) to maintain a healthy body.
3. Smoking must be stopped if you are a smoker.
4. Alcohol is to be limited to two drinks for men and one for women.
5. Listen to soothing music that will have a calming affect on the body. It will reduce the stress hormones and strengthen the immune system. It also has a tendency to raise the serotonin levels in the brain and helps you get good nights sleep.
6. Do not sit and watch television for hours at a time. Above all, do not watch programs and news that you find upsetting. Watch programs that are light and hearty, ones that will make you laugh. Laughter is the best medicine. It raises the body’s endorphins, reduces the stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. It will also raise your mood, making you feel good. Do things that will challenge your mind such as doing crossword puzzles and reading. Start a Journal and write down whatever is on your mind. Putting your thoughts and frustrations on paper can be very rewarding.
7. Reserve at a least a half hour during the day in which to take quiet time for yourself. Sit in a quiet room, preferably darkened and meditate. Think about a beautiful beach or a scenic mountain. Remember beautiful things and incidents gone by.
8. Find a hobby that is interesting to you. One that can happily occupy your mind.
9. Join a neighborhood social center if there is one in the area. This will allow you to make new friendships and intermingle with other people, allowing you to take your mind off your perceived troubles.
10. Try to develop friendships and not be a recluse. Talk to these friends, even if it’s only over the phone.
11. Take a warm soothing bath during the day and again at bedtime. Soak for a half hour and clear your mind of all problems and just think good thoughts. As the water cools add hot water so that it won’t become uncomfortable.
12. Volunteer in a Hospital, or some service organization for a few hours a day, two to three times a week if at all possible. Helping other people will take your mind off your own troubles and will make you feel good about yourself. This will have a positive affect on your immune system.
13. Don’t hold grudges or carry animosities toward others. This will be less destructive and strengthen your mental health and your whole outlook on life. Remember the old adage, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
14. If you don’t have a pet, get one. Taking care of and lavishing your love on a pet will take your mind off your troubles. A pet can be a marvelous companion, one that will give you unconditional love.
15. If you find it hard to do certain things and come up with some difficult chore, get help with that chore. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, that’s what friends are for.
16. Don’t get overwhelmed by schedules. Plan ahead so that that you won’t become overwhelmed by time.
17. Don’t be pressured into doing something by someone if you are not anxious to do it. Learn to say “no”, and don’t feel guilty by doing so. 
18. Driving can be very stressful. Drive at moderate speeds, wearing your seat belt and do not become upset or enraged by the actions of other drivers. Do not use a cell phone while driving. If it becomes necessary to make a call, pull over to a safe area and make your call.
19. Don’t schedule a series of tasks at the same time, or on a close time schedule. Running late on one will raise your stress levels very quickly.
20. Don’t hold things in. If a problem arises, don’t hesitate in discussing it with a friend or family member.
21. Do not ignore the spiritual aspect in your life. Spiritual involvement can be an extremely calming factor in your daily living.

Combating your stress is one of the most important things in maintaining a healthy body and living a normal and happy lifestyle. The suggestions noted above are excellent starting points to achieving a life that is fulfilled and happy.