Listen Now
All of us have stress in our lives. If you have a pulse, you have stress.
Stress is actually good for you in the short run. In fact, the stress response in your body is a life-saving gift that helps you react quickly in emergency situations to get away from danger. That’s where the phrase “fight or flight” comes from. When you are stressed in an emergency, your body makes adrenaline, which causes your heart to beat faster. Your reactions ramp up when you need a quick reaction time. That’s a good thing.
However, with money worries, job pressures, and family troubles, stress can become a chronic problem. Chronic stress is when you have high levels of stress all the time. Your body isn’t designed to work under constant stress. The result of ongoing stress can be increased blood pressure. When your blood pressure is up, your heart has to work harder. High levels of stress can also lead to weight gain, both from your body’s reaction to stress and from eating or drinking to relieve stress.
One sign of stress is having a short temper or a lack of control over emotions. Another sign is when it feels normal to be uptight or constantly worried.
You can manage the stress in your life in several ways. It is most important to understand what is causing you stress. If you cannot figure the point of stress, don’t be afraid to ask for help. People do better if they share their concerns with friends and/or family.
Here are other ways to manage your response to stress.
- Get outside. Being in nature is healing.
- Exercise. Regular exercise, even if it is just a 15-minute walk a couple of times a day, does wonders for clearing the head.
- Be mindful. Focus on the present moment and learn to not get weighed down by your problems.
- Use aromatherapy. The smell of rain or the smell of herbs like rosemary can relax you. Some essential oils like lavender work well too. You can rub a little in your palm and inhale the fragrance, or put some in some boiling water (or a vaporizer) to diffuse the aroma into the air.
- Get a Massage. This great stress reliever can be expensive and is not usually covered by health care insurance. Check around for free clinics that offer massages.
Remember to talk to your doctor about stress and its impact on your life. In some circumstances, short term antidepressants are prescribed to help you deal with a particularly stressful situation. Always be cautious about using medications because there can be unintended side effects. A natural solution is always best, but medication may be needed to get through a tough time.
