WHAT IS STRESS?

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