Warning: This post may stress you out, so make sure you take a long, deep breath before reading further. Just kidding, of course, but stress is real, and it affects a lot of people negatively, especially this time of year.
Just this week, my wife and I attended a dinner with other couples. As expected, someone asked the group what they were doing for the holidays. You could almost hear a pin drop after the question was asked. The group got quiet, and everyone hesitated before answering the question. It was apparent why a few minutes later— two of the couples were busy finalizing wedding plans for their kids, and the other two couples had family issues to work through. They were dreading what they would be facing in the coming weeks.
Doesn’t it always seem like after Halloween is over, we all enter into the starting blocks, and the announcer yells out in a loud booming voice, “On your mark, get ready, set, go….” and the gun goes off, and our race if off and running. Welcome to November, right?
I love this time of year though, and November is no exception. But with it, comes the marathon of preparing for holidays, travel, and for many, more social engagements. Maybe that’s why National Stress Awareness Day is aptly placed next week—right before it all begins. Most of us can agree that life can get stressful at times, but according to The American Institute of Stress, many Americans feel the adverse effects of stress a lot. It’s a little grim, in fact.
77% of people in the US regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. These symptoms can include fatigue (the most common), then headache, upset stomach, and muscle tension. When I went through my significant life change earlier this year, I experienced an enormous amount of stress, and wouldn’t you know it— I also experienced some physical symptoms as well. After doing some research, I realized that it was my stress that was contributing to my physical symptoms.
While we would all say that we “should” find time to relax, many of us also say we are too busy. If you don’t remember anything else, remember that stress can cause significant long-term damage to relationships, physical and mental health. We all want the best life possible, so we need to do our part to add some good stress reducing habits into our life!
Four Ways to Reduce the Bad Effects of Stress:
Exercise: Exercise has been proven to lift even the lowest of depressive moods after only a relatively short amount of time. Just by taking a brisk walk for 12-15 minutes a few times a week can help you boost endorphins and work out some of the stress-related hormones that can build up in the system. Many people have asked me why I still exercise so regularly at my tender young age of 50. I am quick to tell them that it is my version of a “Prozac” — and a lot better for me!
Take a break: We have to get good at recognizing when we are starting to feel the effects of stress before it turns into fatigue, headache, or a tense muscle. Taking a break may mean standing up to stretch or taking a few long, deep breaths. It may mean taking a short walk or eating lunch away from your desk.
When things start to get tense with a loved one, for instance, it is essential to communicate the need for a break so you can “re-center” and finish the conversation more calmly.
Reducing sugar and caffeine: I know, I know— sometimes a sweet treat and coffee hit the spot. Some sugar and caffeine are okay, but when you are trying to manage stress, they can mask the signals your body is giving off (e.g., fatigue). Try cutting back and replacing with more water, a quick walk, or a less-caffeinated option like green tea. If you are not willing to budge on this, try drinking the same amount of water for every cup of coffee you drink.
Take time for you: This may sound a little selfish or even like an impossible dream, but no matter how busy you are, you need to find some time during the week to do something just for you. If for no other reason than to enjoy or unwind. That may mean taking a hot soak, blasting your favorite music in the car, going to the gym or getting your nails done. Think about it— the healthier you are, the better you can be for others!
Stress can eat away the fun of life, but we don’t have to let it. We can’t always control the situation around us, but we can control how we respond. By just adding a few new habits and responses, you will go a long way in being able to manage the stress in your life successfully. Remember, stress isn’t stressing unless we let it be.
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Your Virtual Life Mentor,
Doug