Flight or Fight

Stress.

I have read so much stuff over the years about how to manage day-to-day stress, but I am still not quite there yet. Everyone has some stresses in their lives and are trying to cope with them in their own ways, but what are the correct ways?

I went on a search to find out details about this word "stress" and how it effects our bodies on a short-term and a long term basis. Folks, the results weren't pretty. Some studies showed that stress is one of the main factors in behavioral issues that lead to excessive alcohol consumption to the point of addiction, smoking, and under/over eating. I personally have never smoked a cigarette a day in my life, but eating and drinking are two major escapes in my daily life. I need to work on those.

Studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic confirm that long-term exposure to stress can cause heart disease as well. An increase in heart rate and blood pressure for long periods of time can thicken arterial walls. As stress continues and the heart demands oxygenated blood, these thickened arterial walls may prevent adequate blood flow needed to feed the heart, resulting in a heart attack. Stress, also damages the immune system and autoimmune responses in our body. This can result in increased cold frequency as well as worsening or causing other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Very recently, I have begun a battle with my blood pressure. I have learned, with my mother's voice in my head, to ask myself when I purchase food anywhere, "how much sodium is in it?" There are so many foods that contain my favorite spice that was ever invented, salt. I LOVE salt. If there was a stronger emotion for a flavor enhancer I would use it now, but I have had to let go of so much of my beloved salt for the sake of my health and body. When my blood pressure surges, my whole body suffers. My vision becomes worse, my mood decreases rapidly, I have a headache (which I rarely experience), and I feel so sluggish.

There are so many articles out there about how to manage stress in your lives that I could spend years reading them, but I think it boils down to just a few small things. I am trying desperately to make some positive changes in my life.

Exercise. There is so much research on how even just a little bit of exercise can increase your overall attitude. I have been implementing this act here lately and I can definitely say that the benefits are evident.

Whatever the situation, try to see it from an outside perception. Recently, this helped me out tremendously deal with a major issue in my life. I was all wrapped up in how I felt about it, but once I took a breath and stepped back I realized that it may look completely different from the other side of things.

Set priorities and small goals. Don't overwhelm yourself with the big picture. This one is a tough one for me. Maybe I should analyze the whole "small achievements" mentality. It may help my overall view of my own accomplishments.

Avoid extremes. (Enough said)

Take control of the situation. I am going to write this on my hand or put it somewhere that I can view it constantly. I need to be more of a take action type of person instead of a victim. I am a strong willed person that usually gets her way. I like to be in control for the most part, so why wouldn't I take control of my own stress.

Relaxation. Clearing my mind of noise or stressful thinking will be something that I have to pray about. I tend to keep the wheels turning in my brain 24-7 at 90 mph. I don't think when I am awake that the thinking ever stops, slows, or wanes. My thoughts ensconce all topics and situations constantly. Why? I am not quite sure, but I want to be able to focus more clearly and precisely now. Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga are excellent ideas for this.

Look on the BRIGHTER side of life. This one is not research rooted. It's my new motto. I want so much to be one of those happy people that I bump into and think, "Wow I just love being in that person's presence" I am the happiest that I have ever been in my adult life. I feel like actually laughing at almost anything these days. When I hop into my car in the afternoon and crank up that radio for the drive home, I am euphoric. I know that I am on my way to a happy place where everybody loves everybody. I deserve this time to be content before other stresses come creeping into our little life.

Life is all about reaction they say, so I am going to learn to truly understand my flight or fight hormones and know that the first impulse is not always the best one. Everything does happen for a reason even if sometimes that reason is to simply clear the haze and force you to open your eyes.
How about all of you and your stresses, are there some tactics you use that could help me out?