Stress is a challenge of life that needs to be attended to and managed, for ignoring it takes a toll on one’s mental and physical health. The more we are burdened, it interferes with our responsibilities, relationships and being in service to others. Life is dynamic, and doesn’t go as we plan, but we can learn to utilize our ability to adjust, adapt, flex, and even laugh at our situation.
I read of an adventurous person from the USA with two Europeans who hired 2 local natives in a South American jungle to help her backpack into mountainous terrain to reach a remote village to study their culture. They carried their needed supplies of food and camping gear in a canoe because they would be crossing a river. There was a segment of rigorous climbing up a steep rocky hillside that required pushing and pulling the teetering canoe while they got scratched up by the granite. The three visitors were frustrated and upset at the effort, the getting scraped up yet the local guides held no tension regarding the effort required and instead kept making light of the predicament and sharing jokes to make it better. They did not waste personal energy getting mad or stressed at what was, but had their attention on what needed to be done. (from The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff)
Mindset has so much to do with how we feel and act. Some stresses are a bit of a constant challenge to accept, like a loss of a financial or job situation, or a strained relationship. We need to accept what is and have a plan of how to get through it or improve it. More importantly, we need to pay attention to our thoughts, and to turn challenges to a positive/what it is doing for you, e.g. building patience, determination, etc. Here are other helps.
Morning Routine. Go to bed early enough that you can wake up early, feel refreshed, and not start the day rushed. Stretch, pray, read, plan a few things you want to get done that day and be open to the curves and obstacles.
Exercise. Regular exercise helps to release tension and can help one sleep better. Getting the heart rate up releases endorphins in your brain which reduces anxiety and improves mood. Get outside and take a walk being aware of nature. Being in nature is a great de-stressor.
Fuel Well. Getting the 9-13 cups of fruits and vegetables of all colors that our body needs, plant based Omegas, healthy protein, fiber, plenty of clean water will help the body do all the work it does to keep us healthy and feeling good. Avoid processed foods (read labels!) with chemicals/additives. Do a monthly detox and cleanse (I recommend the Shred10 program.) How we feel physically will impact how we feel emotionally.
Practice relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, listening to soothing music or sounds of nature are much better ways to cope with stress than grabbing food or alcohol, scrolling online, watching a screen to numb or distract. Practice positive self-talk, acknowledge the good that you do and you can do it, that you are loved…
Make time for you. Do something you enjoy each day to help unwind and get creative. Sit in the sun and chat with an uplifting friend or read a book or magazine, play with your pet (they are great relaxers too!), garden, cook, or write. Take an Epsom salt bath, get a massage, a chiropractic adjustment. At the end of the day, journal and include recalling what you are grateful for. If your efforts do not seem to dissipate stress, consider a guided retreat or getting professional help. You are worth it!
Night time Routine. It is good to shut off electronics an hour before you want to go to sleep. The hours one sleeps before midnight are worth double in quality since it more closely matches our natural circadian rhythm. The blue light from screens interferes with our melatonin production. Instead, read a good book, write out things still needed to process, keep a gratitude journal, read affirmations, pray. Ending the day with positives will make for better sleep.
And for a bonus tip: be very selective on the amount of news you watch. Perhaps chose a source of news to read what is going on and choose whom you like to get their analysis on events. Enlist a friend you know who regularly watches a program you like, and ask them to text you if they think you would be interested in watching. If something is disturbing, make a plan of action of either writing elected representatives letting them know you care and want change, or making a prayer intention. Doing something in response can help calm yourself that you have done what you can for those in need.
Lord be gracious to us; we long for You. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2
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