Managing Stress

We can be sure that the greatest hope for maintaining equilibrium in the face of any situation rests within ourselves.
-Francis J. Braceland

The topic of stress is one that we are all familiar with. Stress is inevitable and not necessarily a problem in daily life. It motivates us to do what we need to do in order to survive and thrive.

It contributes to the quality of our lives if it occurs in manageable levels. We refer to stress that has begun to move beyond a manageable level as being "distress". That level is different for each of us.

Several things can happen that can make stress turn in to distress. Basically, if we have too many demands, that are too big, in too short a time, stress can overwhelm us. We are especially at risk if we are already tired, worried, sick, or otherwise overburdened.

We need to actively do something to help ourselves immediately if this situation occurs.

Some simple "Stress Busters" can help keep us resilient enough to better tolerate and cope with stress. They also help keep stress from becoming damaging distress.

Eat your breakfast. Every engine needs fuel and your body is no exception. Our ability to concentrate and cope with challenges, is improved by simply eating those foods that fit our dietary needs.

Get a good nights sleep. Sleep helps our bodies and minds recover from the damage of daily life. Sleep restores the body systems and provides rejuvenation. Make sleep a priority by having a regular schedule of going to bed and getting up at a set time daily.

Severely limit the amount of conflict in your life. Make a rule in your household that no heated debates, arguments, or discussions occur after dinner, or what ever time you choose. Save emotionally charged topics for earlier in the day.

Taper your activities so that you are less stimulated as the day and evening progress. This includes not only direct contact with others but also what you read, and what you watch on television or Internet before bedtime.

Schedule relaxation time into your day. Most of us have had the experience of being so busy during a given day that we forgot about lunch or even limited our trips to the restroom. Sounds crazy right? It is.

Give yourself more time between commitments in your schedule. If you are lucky enough (or purposeful enough) to have some "free time", use it to relax with exercise, music, or other soothing activities.

And of course, get professional help before a distress crisis develops.

If we are not willing to take care of ourselves, other demands will intrude on us. We can help others, contribute to our community, and generally get things done, only by making ourselves a priority. We then have the desire and motivation to do the rest.

Live Well.