It takes one to know one. The bundle of nerves and stress-case that I’ve been as of recent has made me realize how many people wear stress on their face and carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.
In our fast-paced lives and rapidly revolving world it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and overburdened by the same day-to-day tasks that we sometimes take in stride. Sometimes those little tasks on our “to do” lists build up only to bring us down.
Everyone knows the feeling; whether it’s a knotted-stomach, pounding headache, sore muscles or just a bitter attitude- stress sometimes gets the best of us.
Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death including heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, liver cirrhosis and suicide.
It may be rather grim, but it’s something that we all deal with on a daily basis; whether the stress is derived from school, home, work, finances or relationships.
We can’t simply escape stress, but we can strive to cope and reduce its negative affects. You don’t have to do much reading or researching to find the health implications induced by the nagging internal and external pressure.
Apparently stress is a lot greater than a feeling of anxiety and helplessness. While stress is defined as a “physical, mental or emotional strain or tension,” further research reveals there are different types of stress and each is as unique to a person and situation as stress relief or management.
According to Health Canada there is positive stress (eustress) and negative stress (distress). The goal is to strike a healthy balance by building strength and resistance with the use of effective coping methods.
Just as important as completing chores or tasks, is finding the time to inject those people and activities in our lives that put a smile on our face, a laughter in our bellies and a calm in our minds. By doing things we need to do combined with the things we want to do we will only become better, happier and healthier people.
Health Canada recommends a number of different ways for people to mitigate their stress, providing both short and long-term solutions. The suggestions include: identifying and solving your problems; learning about stress management; reducing tension; and taking your mind off your problems. While all of the solutions are well-recommended, what works for one person may not for another.
It’s the matter of doing what lightens your mood; maybe it’s blasting the radio and dancing around like a fool, indulging in a guilty pleasure (chocolate ice cream anyone?), or simply talking it out with friends or family.
Whatever you do, make sure you do something for you.
With the hustle and bustle of our society, we need to give ourselves a break. Sometimes we need to unwind and accept that whatever shall be, shall be.
You can’t let yourself crumble under great expectations, because like my mom always says, “Do your best because it’s all that you can do.”
sunnews@sasktel.net
