Stress seems like a given in our modern day lives. We are totally connected…like, all of the time.
Our phones, laptops, tablets, etc. go with us everywhere. It seems like there are expectations to be getting something done all of the time. Sitting at a kids basketball game? Might as well send out a few emails while you are waiting. Stuck in traffic {as if that isn’t stressful enough sometimes}, well, better pick up the phone and make some of the calls on your to-do list. Sound familiar? Well, it totally does to me…or it used to. I used to freak out all of the time. I would cram so much into every second that the stress was starting to take its toll on me physically and mentally. But, over the past year, I’ve mellowed out quite considerably {I think anyway} because I’ve come to realize that life is not perfect. Plus, the more I stress, the worse I feel. It’s just not worth it.
I read an article recently that basically outlined the effects of stress on our bodies. I’m not talking massive, life-changing stress like death of a loved one, a divorce, job loss, etc. It’s the daily, low grade stress that we carry around with us that is wrecking our health. It is chronic, and it is quite literally killing us. According to the article, stress can cause “increased levels of cortisol…{which} interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, and increase blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease.” Yikes.
So here’s my thoughts: You have to take a holistic approach. We have to start making our own health a priority. That includes eating right, exercising {the article stated that only 30 minutes a day can drastically reduce stress levels}, getting enough sleep…and of course, managing stress. I think, in general, people have gotten into the bad habit of associating high stress with success. If we are stressed, we are doing enough. But really, we aren’t lazy if we take a few things off our plates. We aren’t “hippies” if we try to relax a bit, and be a little more laid back about the small stuff. What we are is managing our health. And, in the words of Forrest Gump, “that’s all I have to say about that.”
Do you think stress is negatively affecting your health? What do you do to de-stress? Did this post stress you out? {Hee hee :)}
~Mavis
judy says
Mavis I know of this stress first hand! I overwhelmed myself for years, especially over my children. Well it finally came to a head four years ago when my heart said enough! I cracked one of the arteries of my heart causing a scar blockage, from the up and down of adrenaline and blood pressure. I received a Stent for my 50th birthday..It’s kind of a permanent reminder that I can never allow stress and over achiever syndrome over take me again. God was certainly with me on this.. I had a 98% block in the main artery and it was caught on a fluke exam!
Stay well Mavis…
Mavis says
Oh my gosh! That is crazy! So glad they caught it.
judy says
Yes me too! 🙂
tc says
Yes, I have a lot of stress in my life especially financial and everything nowadays seems to be a fight, from getting a real live person on the phone that you can understand, to being able to cancel a service you don’t want anymore.So many more People are angry and rude all the time.
I go out to my garden to destress as exercise is difficult with severe arthritis of the ankle and puttering around in the yard, cleaning out the chicken coop, weeding are all stress relievers. I also take a long soothing soak in the bathtub and ready my gardening magazines. This always relaxes me.
Mavis says
My garden always de-stressed me too!
Diane says
Toss the “Smart” phone for just a phone phone. Who really NEEDS to check email or get online while shopping or waiting at gymnastics class? No one NEEDS to! I take a book with me when I know I’ll be waiting. No stress in a nice murder mystery, right? Or a book of crossword puzzles. I am old enough to remember the days of no email, and things were much more relaxed. If someone wanted to get hold of me, they would phone and leave a message. No hurry.
I think we choose to add those things that add more stress to our lives. We can live simpler without so much stress, and still have computers etc.
So, I de-stress by reading, doing puzzles. I also have a garden and pets. There is nothing so de-stressing as a cat on your lap purring!
Christopher says
Mavis, Interesting enough I just listened to and Pinned a video the other day – that outlines how Our thoughts of stress can affect and alter are health. As always We enjoy the information that You share – Chris
https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend
“Stress. It makes your heart pound, your breathing quicken and your forehead sweat. But while stress has been made into a public health enemy, new research suggests that stress may only be bad for you if you believe that to be the case. Psychologist Kelly McGonigal urges us to see stress as a positive, and introduces us to an unsung mechanism for stress reduction: reaching out to others.”
Mavis says
That’s super interesting!
Jane says
I agree with everything you said! Being outside in nature is a huge de-stressor for me. I love running — especially in scenic places. I also love dropping whatever I’m supposed to be doing when things get overwhelming and stepping into a coffee shop. I love the relaxing atmosphere and being around a lot of people without necessarily having to interact!
Patty P says
I have been super stressed for the past few months….and it’s mostly related to my job. I’m a teacher. The increased demands on teachers in the Common Core sense added in with changes our district is going through ( a new approach to grading, a new reporting method, and our second master schedule OF THE YEAR) is enough to send me through the roof. As a matter of fact, I nearly had an anxiety attack when the second master schedule came out changing my entire schedule and all of my class lists around. I am considering starting acupuncture again (I have done this in the past and it totally works for me!). I also try to do things that don’t cause me to think too much (like crocheting, cooking, or baking in these colder months).
One thing in the article that really caught my attention is how stress effects your memory….I tell you what, I can’t remember a darn thing and I’m only in my mid 30’s! I was starting to get worried about getting older, but I’m going to try to destress and see if my mind comes back to me!
Mavis says
I can’t even imagine the stress teaching causes. Thank you for all you do for our kids!!
Sharon says
Amen!!!
Amy says
Two things have helped me a great deal over the past few months – being somewhat active (I run three miles 2-3 times per week), and being outside (I run outside). Now that the cold, dark months are upon us, I’m not very excited about heading back inside for my runs, but I appreciate the benefits to my mental and physical health too much to stop.