Managing Stress

Stress is the number cause of illness in current day society, causing things like cancer, heart disease, depression, stomach ulcers, flu, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As things get more and more complex, stress plays an ever greater role in our lives. In this blog post I will look at what stress is, why it arises, and how to deal with it.

What is stress? 

Stress is a coping mechanism in our bodies that helps us move through challenges where there's an increase in pressure. At a cellular level there's a chemical reaction that occurs in our body/mind. Psychologically we may "contract" and this causes a release of the hormones cortisol and adrenalin as a coping mechanism. Our heart rate increases, our breathing quickens and our metabolism quickens too.

These bodily functions are natural ways for us to deal with various stressors in that they help us to focus and be alert to the challenge at hand. If stress is handled in the wrong way however, mainly through resistance to stressors, then it can contribute to all sorts of negative emotions. 

What are some of the negative symptoms of stress? 

• Irritability and being moody
• Increased anxiety
• Lack of clarity/focus
• You feel flat, tired and exhausted
• You have difficulty sleeping
• You have headaches and migraines 

How do we cope with stress? 

• First learn to psychologically relax; when we psychologically tense-up, our attention is not still, meaning our focus is scattered. When we relax psychologically, our attention is clear and calm and we can then focus on the task at hand. 
• Bring your awareness to the feeling in the present moment. Often getting out of your mental constructs and connecting with what you're feeling provides you with the kind of objectivity to better handle stress
• Take a walk in nature
• Take a break and notice what's going on around you - people, things, places
• Practice yoga or meditation
• Exercise - run, get to the gym, cycle, play your favorite sport, get physical. This has the ability to release endorphins which is a great way to handle stress
• Become aware of your breathing: when you're stressed your breathing will tend to be shallow and in your chest which restricts oxygen circulation to your organs. Try to breathe deeply into the pit of your stomach instead so you stomach rises with each intake of air. Then focus on releasing the tension on the out-breath. 
• Regulate and slow your breathing down to a rhythm (yogic breathing). You can do this by pausing after your out-breath and counting to 4 before your next in-breath. Do the same on the in cycle. 

If one of these strategies doesn't work, try an alternate one. And if you're still stressed seek the advice of a life coach or counselor. Did you find this article useful? Please leave a comment below.