Stressed or Chronic Stressed?

Most people over the course of their lives have experienced stress, which causes our bodies to create adrenaline which can help us accomplish projects or enhance performance. This stress might be seem overwhelming at the time, but acute stress is short lived and our bodies recover and move on. In recent years, more and more people are experiencing a consistent feeling of overwhelm and pressure (chronic stress) that can be debilitating and overwhelming. Chronic stress can affect our psychological and physical well-being and can cause a variety of health problems including insomnia, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and anxiety. This stress can lead to heart disease and depression as well as obesity. Chronic stress can have serious consequences, yet we are not quick to make changes to reduce this stress. Fortunately it is possible to to alleviate this stress.

Setting limits is a great way to allow time you need to rest and not feel the overwhelm and anxiety of taking on too much. Asking for help, saying no, and tapping into your support system are great ways to ease the burden of tasks.

People who are chronically stressed often have trouble sleeping. By reducing work load or asking for help, you might have less on your mind at night. If you still have trouble sleeping, try relaxing music, mediation, bathing, and avoid eating close to bedtime. I usually write down all I need to do the next day in a notebook by my bed to keep my mind from racing.

Find a positive outlook and see problems as opportunities can help turn stress into more manageable challenges. Set realistic goals and reframe the way you look at stressful situations.

Finally, make a health-related commitment. You need energy and strength to tackle challenges. Taking a brisk walk can increase energy and concentration. Physical activity increases body’s production of endorphins and decreases production of stress hormones. What we eat and drink can also have an impact on our body during chronic stress. Try cutting out caffeine, and adding more whole foods.

Our next Creative Community meeting is October 4th at 1pm on zoom. Megan Magee will discuss Stress Management through Nutrition. Megan believes stress is not what happens to us, but is our response TO what happens. RESPONSE is something we can choose. If you haven’t been a guest, join us for this amazing presentation by registering here.