Greetings from Joyful Energy,
Dear Readers,
Thank you for your patience, as I am a couple days late on my post. Since being
so grateful for the beautiful weather that we were all blessed with, this past
Memorial Weekend, I spent most of my stress free time outside.
The events of the last two days, got me to thinking; what exactly is stress? Is
stress something that can be measured? It seems like anymore, you here so many
people, claim; I am so stressed, this stresses me, that stresses me, they
stress me, he stresses me, she stress me, and on, and on….The biochemical
changes from stress can be measured; however, it depends on each individual’s
response.
I hope to shed a little light on the subject of stress:
The “fight or flight” response was necessary for our ancestors, when
faced with danger, they needed to have the energy to fight or flee. We too,
today need that same response, not for slaying dragons so much, but for life
threatening situations, running a race, or even meeting a deadline.
The problem arises, when there is more stressful times than stress free, like
not taking time for ourselves, or thinking that we have to be in control of
everything.
Without getting too technical, there are chemicals released by the body, such
as adrenalin, noradrenalin, and cortisol in response to a stressful situation.
You may have heard of adrenalin junkies, these are people that thrive on
stress, because of a feeling of being high, as well as, energetic. I think they
are called thrill seekers.
It is when we don’t utilize these chemicals, that they can become detrimental
to our wellbeing.
When these chemicals are released, due to a stressful situation, it is
important to utilize them as soon as possible. If you are in a traffic jam, try
beating the seat, or deep breathing. I sing…can’t carry a tune, but no one
hears me.
I am sure that you are all aware of what stresses you, but I would like to
offer some suggestions to counter act the stress response:
COLORS
With regards to color, the colors
blue, and green tend to be calming, experiments have shown blue
light can lead to a lowering of blood pressure, whereas red light can cause
blood pressure to rise.
While I am not recommending anything, I am asking you to research these
for yourself. There are known herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are used
for stress relief.
HERBS
Lavender, Chamomile,
Tarragon, Sage,
Rosemary, St John’s Wort , and I am sure there are many more, but my
favorite is
Holly Basil (has been used in
Ayurveda
for many years, and is known to lower cortisol, as well as blood sugar).. I put
the extract in my water sometimes.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
There are also vitamins and minerals that help us handle stress and anxiety
in our lives, some of them our: Vitamin A, C, E, and B-complex, as well as, the
minerals; Calcium, Potassium and, Magnesium, which plays many roles in the
body. I once read that Magnesium also blocks the effects of excessive adrenalin.
It is best to get these Vitamins and minerals from your foods first, and then
supplement if you and your physician feel it necessary.
WATER
Who can forget water, it is so vital to our wellbeing, and not putting the
body under undo stress; when we have not consumed enough water, our body will
talk to us with, headaches, backaches, joint pain and stiffness, as well as low
concentration, and many other symptoms. Try putting a little lemon or cucumber
in your water. If you drink more water, you are less likely to drink unhealthy
drinks.
DIET
A stress free diet is important to your health and wellbeing, which would
include things like, raw or steamed vegetables, fresh or dried fruit with plain
yogurt(I actually like “Stoneyfield organic Greek yogurt), lean meats and fish,
as well as, daily fiber, from whole grains, beans and bread (I prefer EZEKIEL
Bread, no flour or refined sugar, only sprouts.)
POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND SELF TALK
As well as, your diet, your thoughts and attitude play a major role in response
to stress. It is vital to always be aware of your self-talk; with negative self-talk,
your body responds negatively… releasing unhealthy chemicals; with positive self-talk
and thoughts, your body responds in kind.
Try this: When you are aware of a negative thought or making a negative
comment, turn it around to a positive thought or comment. When you are focusing
on what is good and right, you will release those feel good chemicals, and who
doesn’t want to feel good? Our subconscious is always giving us what it thinks
we want, it does not judge whether if it is good or bad, or right, or wrong; it
just wants to please us.
BREATH
Breathing is also important in a stressful situation, and to life itself.
The right breathing technique can create calm; Take a deep cleansing breath
through your nose, filling first the abdomen and then the lungs, and release
slowly through the mouth.
EXERCISE
Any form of exercise is good, as long as not overdone. Practices such as
Yoga, and Tai Chi, focus on the breath; therefore, is very beneficial in
response to stress. Any form of aerobic exercise, such as dance…my favorite, is
great for releasing energy, which built up energy, can cause anxiety.
LAUGHTER
Last but not least, one of the best stress relievers is laughter, it can
make all the difference in the world. So here are a few things that I found
funny;
Change can be stressful, and is inevitable except from a
vending machine; I used to have an open mind, but my brains keep falling out;
God is a comedian, playing to an audience too afraid to laugh; and A glow worm
is never glum, because, how can you be grumpy when the sun shines out of
your bum?
In closing, we all encounter stressful situations and people at times, but
it is in our positive response to stress that will make a difference in our
health, happiness and our lives.
May you always find a reason to laugh, and smile every
day, and live your life with ease.
Thank you for reading,
Joyful Energy
I can tell you that exercise, proper nutrition, and meditation are all good for a healthy heart, however, from my perspective on an energy level...what I feel is most important is to have love for yourself and others, experience joy and laughter on a daily basis and 
Mind a broken heart with Yoga
