Written By Debbra A. Livingston MSN, ARNP, BC: Jacksonville District
What is stress? Stress is a load, force or system of forces producing a strain. What is anxiety? Anxiety is distress or uneasiness of the mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune that may or may not happen.
We all have stress. There is good stress and bad stress. Stress, simply put, is trying to handle more than what you are used to. Either form of stress may become anxiety producing. Stress and anxiety may affect you in more ways than you can imagine.
Some stress is normal and even useful. Stress can help if you need to work hard or react quickly. For example, it can help you win a race or finish an important job on time.
Recommended Related to Stress Management
10 Relaxation Techniques That Zap Stress Fast
Relax. You deserve it, it's good for you, and it takes less time than you think. You don't need a spa weekend or a retreat. Each of these stress-relieving tips can get you from OMG to om in less than 15 minutes. 1. Meditate A few minutes of practice per day can help ease anxiety. “Research suggests that daily meditation may alter the brain’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress,” says psychologist Robbie Maller Hartman, PhD, a Chicago health and wellness coach. It's simple...
Read the 10 Relaxation Techniques That Zap Stress Fast article > >
But if stress happens too often or lasts too long, it can have bad effects. It can be linked to headaches, an upset stomach, back pain, and trouble sleeping. It can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off disease. If you already have a health problem, stress may make it worse. It can make you moody, tense, or depressed.
Let’s talk about ways to manage stress and anxiety –
Exercise – Exercise does not have to be strenuous like running a marathon or doing 1 hour of high impact aerobics. Exercise may be as simple as taking a walk around the block. Try this…The next time you go shopping, relax. Take the farthest parking space possible and take your time to stroll through the parking lot and into the store. As you stroll, take nice, deep, cleansing breathes. Use what may be stressful or anxiety producing as an opportunity to de-stress or may I say detox from all the cares and worries of the world. You will find yourself walking slower, your heart rate normalizes and you have an overall sense of relaxation.
Do something you enjoy – Do you enjoy gardening, fishing, golfing? Take the time out of your busy life to catch up on some of the things you’ve put off doing for so long. Make time. Unfortunately, we all have to come to a screeching halt when a loved one or family friend dies. The funeral is imminent and we cancel everything to be in attendance. Why do we put off doing what brings us pleasure, but stop everything for unfortunate/sad occasions??? Stop it!!!! Enjoy life!
Let out your feelings – There comes a time when we have to let it all out. This may include but not limited to screaming and crying. We have become so accustomed to “soldiering on” that we are a time bomb waiting to explode. Speaking to a friend, family member, counselor or a member of the clergy are excellent ways to relieve stress and anxiety.
In today’s society, stress and anxiety have become the norm and we are suffering illnesses more now than ever. Many physical and mental conditions all boil down to the root of stress and anxiety. In the grand scheme of things, is it worth it? Take a stroll, do something you enjoy and let out your feelings and I promise you will be a better person, a better mother, a better father, a better spouse, a better attribute to society.
Debbra A. Livingston MSN, ARNP, BC
References –