As a registered massage therapist at a wellness clinic, I work with many adults who are experiencing pain and tension where stress in many cases is tied into the problem with its negative consequences. There is a feeling of being over-whelmed and an attempt to slow down, stop and/or reverse that state. I have seen a number of these people being quite good at taking care of others and their needs but at the same time neglecting their own needs in the process. Some of these people are health care providers, teachers, and people in the profession of helping others. These same people I have seen put their own priority at a lower level and others above theirs. It is difficult especially on a long-term basis to put the care of others ahead of you without taking care of yourself.
Stress management is central to our emotional health and overall well being. It is a way of life that ought to be an ongoing practice and not only a collection of approaches reserved for use in challenging times. Unfortunately many of us tend to be slow out of the gate and we wait until things become stressful and out of our immediate control before taking action. With some forward thinking and specific stress management techniques we hold within our grasp the ability to effectively head off foreseeable obstacles and difficulties with minimum damage.
Do you know some of the first signs of stress when it appears? Many of us are not aware of them. The reduction and increase of food consumption are quite common for many people.
If that happened to you do you tune in to that behavioral change? How long does it take before you realize that change has occurred? Some people will start to notice their thinking becoming heightened, erratic and an increasing feeling of uneasiness depending on what the stressors are and their levels. It may feel as if I you are spinning your wheels and not moving anywhere. Sleep is the next thing to go for many. You may find yourself lying in bed obsessing about the problem at hand and looking at the ceiling during the night. Waking many times early in the morning may bring no relief with constant thinking of all the things that need to done.
Some people may find they notice muscle tension typically in the neck, shoulders and upper back. Massage therapy is an excellent approach to reducing muscle and other tension associated with the negative side of stress. Trying to be more conscious of your body and understanding the first signs of escalating stress will help you better identify the necessary course of action. A common sense plan of action, making a conscious effort and starting to use stress management strategies to counter stress is a wise place to begin. In many cases stress needs to be met head-on; passively waiting for a stressful situation to resolve is not always a good strategy. Actively using stress management strategies can help us manage and get a more complete grip on the symptoms of stress while at the same time meeting our responsibilities in everyday life.
The question “does stress age you?” comes up from time to time and I am sure you have heard it in different circles, “It feels like I have aged at least 10 years in a few months” is not uncommon to hear. On the cellular level there is some preliminary research suggesting stress does in fact age us all. We also know that during periods of stress and fatigue in our lives, we are more likely to stop using healthy behaviors that help us manage stress more effectively and revert to poor habits. Prolonged poor behavioral habits indicated below have been shown and linked to various illnesses and can decrease the quality of our lives and our longevity:
1. Smoking
2. Drinking
3. Non-healthy nutritional choices
4. Not exercising
5. Inadequate sleep
A number of health related issues have its roots in stress. Stress with reduction of good sound healthy behavior may cause an individual to be become more tired than normal, increase susceptibility to illness, weaken immune system and in general promote a poorer impression of health.
Q: Is there a more favorable approach for handling stress management?
A: Through trial and error over time, since this is a working living process of improvement, returning to the key basics when under stress usually works better. Like many others, I too, sometimes forgo healthy behaviors when stress is upon me and it appears other things become more important. On the other hand, I am aware that if I sleep less, do not exercise, skip meals, I am much less effective in my own stress management. Here are some preferred stress management strategies for alleviating and reducing the effect of stress:
Going for a walk or run
Many of us tend to think more clearly when outside with and can feel the wind and air on our faces.
Feeling the therapeutic calming effects of nature filling up your lungs and traveling inside and all around you.
Pleasing interruption such as a good movie
A good comedy at times or just good entertainment may be enough to turn things around or get you going with some good laughter. Do not forget the positive endorphins laughter causes.
Reading
It may be just what you need to take your mind off and away from whatever it is that is troubling you. Books are a fabulous way to escape and get lost in a marvelous and completely different world without traveling. Reading may also serve as a temporary release from the hold of stress and might even make you see things in a different and more positive light.
Social gathering
When you are ready for it, getting together with good friends and getting out are also ways to get out and breathe. It is the chance to move your mind and body away from whatever is stressing you and perhaps it may help you step back and see more of the big picture.
Support
That special friend or person in your life with whom you can openly share and express feelings and emotions without reservation; speak with them. Find that friend, the one who makes you laugh and you enjoy being around. All we have to do is think about that person and we can always come up with someone.
Stay Connected