POSITIVE SOLUTIONS TO STRESS
STRESS is one of the most common cause of disease and premature breakdown of the body. Stress weakens our immune system and can make us more susceptible to illness and eventually a disease process will spring forth.
However, not all stress is bad. Stress can also strengthen our bodies and help us to respond to the challenges of life. The key is Balance. Unfortunately, most of us never get there. When we are stressed the sympathetic nervous system is turned on. This system basically takes over when the body views something as threatening. This is also called the fight or flight response. The essence of stress says, “I don’t need to worry about anything on the inside right now because if I don’t survive what is in front of me right now, tomorrow won’t matter.” This system pushes all the available energy in the body to the major muscle groups and puts the brain on maximum alert!
While certainly there are times when we all need to be able to respond to stress, most of us need to learn how to shut this system off or at least try to lessen the intensity. Triggers for this type of response are things like deadlines, bills you can’t pay, negative relationships and work related stress. Phrases about stress like, “ I’m not going to make it,” “I’m going to show them” and “they don’t like me” are all connected into this type of reasoning as a negative response pattern. Emotions such as anger, anxiety, worry, fear and depression are key as well. So what can you do about taking control and finding that inner balance?
Here is the GOOD NEWS: We all have another side to us. This is called the parasympathetic nervous system. This system says everything is OK on the outside and now it is time to take care of what is on the inside. Some of the functions that these systems control are things like digestion, elimination, sexuality and sleep. Now you can understand why you should never fight at the dinner table or eat before you go swimming or have an argument before going to bed. Not listening to what our bodies are telling us puts our health at risk.
The best way to turn on the parasympathetic nervous system is to feed your self-positive thoughts. Stopping in the middle of a stressful event and saying, “this is not life threatening” or “I’m going to make it just fine” will help to keep the stress to a minimum. Taking a deep breath before moving on and reaffirming that nothing is life and death over trivial events.
Positive things you can do are to take the time for things like: a quiet time in your faith, meditation, a walk in the park, enjoying the outdoors, moderately exercising, read encouraging books, eating correctly and getting plenty of sleep can make a huge difference in balancing out your stressful lifestyle.
Another part of the human experience is the role of relationships. Having relationships that are authentic, real and intimate are great for putting things in perspective and making us feel loved. Human beings are not solitary animals, we are communal animals and we need social interactions and support.
Stress can also affect the physical body, which can cause the body to lock up or trigger constant muscle spasms. Complimentary therapies such as chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture can help to play a key role in helping you to manage your stress. Nutrition too, can play a key role in managing stress. Only eating what is good for your body and nourishing it with loving care will help the longevity and quality of aging. How we eat and what we eat speaks for how we manage our stress. And lets not forget exercise. A daily routine of fitness and exercise can help to reduce the body’s anxiety and tension.
WHAT WE SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON WHEN WE ARE STRESSED IS TO
BREATHE, BREATHE AND BREATHE DEEPLY FROM THE DIAPHRAGM TO EASE TENSION ON OUR HEART, IN OUR HEART AND MIND.
1. Drink fresh spring water, not tap water. Make sure you filter out the chlorine and other chemicals put in our water today. Not all so great for you.
2. Plan ten healthy meals and snacks and have them on hand
3. Schedule regular meals, 4-5 hours apart, with snacks in-between.
4. Take vitamins and minerals, probiotics and enzymes to strengthen your immune system.
5. Eat slowly and take time to relax when you eat. Enjoy the aroma and taste of your food.
6. Don’t over eat – Eat just enough to feel full. Push away from the table.
7. Don’t eat 3-4 hours before bedtime. This may make it harder for your digestive system to assimilate your food.
8. Watch your combinations of foods. Use food combining to help if you are having a problem assimilating your food.
9. Eat your protein first as it is the hardest to digest. Then move into the carbohydrates and sugar is last. An example of this is: At a sushi bar, they always serve an orange last. After all that protein the sugar will not disturb your blood sugar.
WHAT WE CAN DO EMOTIONALLY WHEN WE ARE STRESSED?
1. THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS. This will raise your own energy field and keep you strong.
2. Continually remind yourself that, “ this is not life threatening.
3. Constantly say, “I’m going to make it.
4. Talk about your stress to people that care and take time to listen to others.
5. The difference between a roaring lion trying to devour you and just another day at work is the internal dialog you are feeding yourself.
6. Listen to yourself. Input a positive thought when the “chatter” won’t shut. Quell it with a deep breath and silence. Pause.
7. Take a walk. Get out in Mother Nature. It can calm the mind and ease tension on the body.
8. Be good to yourself. Take time for yourself. Make yourself a priority. Love yourself for who you are. Give yourself a hug. You are love and loved.
9. Lastly, remember to BREATHE! It is your source of calm and clarity in any situation.
Taking into consideration all of the above recommendations, make yourself a priority in all you do. LIVE IN THE MOMENT. ENJOY YOUR LIFE AND THE JOURNEY! IT IS ONE OF A KIND!
Namaste (I Honor All Within)
Meditate on this.. and clap.. as you lived another fantastic day! It is a tradition in many cultures to be thankful for the day you lived and to clap. I did this while living in UY, South America. Everyone would gather on the beach and watch the sun as it slowly dipped below the horizon. I do it now. You can do this anywhere. Just be thankful.
