In this busy life, it is important to remember to take care of yourself. Don’t let stressful situations get the best of you. Know your limit and when you need to walk away from a stressor. The problems of life can wait- I can guarantee you they will be there once you have had a chance to decompress. Now you may say, “Walking away from the situations that stress me out isn’t an option.” I say to you - what happens when you reach your breaking point and are no good to anyone at all? It is better to step away from a stressor before your limit is reached so that you can reset your mind and find the best resolution to the issue.
According to the American Psychological Association, stress can have a negative impact on the body in a variety of ways. For example, stress experienced over a long period of time can cause strain on the heart. Repeated acute stress can lead to heart attacks. But who needs a heart right? Stress also can affect your digestive system, potentially leading to ulcers, heartburn, or constipation. (Think about how gassy you get before a big interview.) If you have issues with your endocrine system, stress only exacerbates the problem. Hormones known as “stress hormones” are released, causing more glucose to be produced by your body. If your body has an issue absorbing the extra glucose, you increase your risk for diabetes, and that is no bueno. Stress also affects your reproductive system. In women, stress can throw off your menstrual cycle(which can cause a whole new set of problems.) In men, stress can affect sperm count, testosterone production, and cause erectile dysfunction. (For the full APA article, click here: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body.aspx)
Needless to say, stress is bad, very bad. Thankfully, there are ways in which you can find your Zen and maintain peace and harmony in your life.
Deep breathing is the easiest way to destress. Deep breathing helps shift your body from sympathetic nervous system control(fight or flight) to parasympathetic control. This shift helps your body maintain a stable heart rate and blood pressure.
Deep breathing exercises can be found here:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/deep-breathing/#axzz44rqKosw1
Adult coloring books are great as well. They take your focus off of your issues and allow your brain to rest.
Best coloring books:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jamiejones/colouring-books-that-are-perfect-for-adults#.vfNLzeoQ
My personal philosophy is that dance cures everything, but any type of physical activity will do, from cleaning with your favorite music playlist blasting, to going for a run in the park. Physical activity, aka exercise, helps boost your endorphins, which are the neurotransmitters that tell your brain to “feel good”. Exercise also helps reduce symptoms of things triggered by stress, such as depression and anxiety. So get to moving!!! I personally recommend trying something new to get going, such as aerial classes, horseback riding, or a sport you’ve never tried. You will be so focused on mastering the skill that you won’t have time to focus on your problems!
Just last week as a matter of fact, I remember walking into pole class and telling my teacher “its been one of those days, I’m ready to do pole things.” After class, I felt so much better and was able to power my way through the rest of the day.
You are no good to anyone if your mind is in a “fight or flight” state. Yes, there are times when stress is unavoidable, but stress shouldn’t be going half on the rent, watching TV with you on the couch, and keeping you warm at night. Chronic stress is not good for you, or the people who have to deal with how you react to stressful situations. Self care is vital to becoming the best you and succeeding in this adult world. How will you choose to de-stress?