Managing Life Stressors: We don't have to know the exact definition of stress to experience its consequences!
Today’s lifestyle is stressful enough. Watching a news report features stories of kidnapped, lost or dead persons, terrorism on the rise, or the stock market crashing. Keeping up with the world and our friends on social media, your phones or a variety of other electronic mediums adds to the chaos. It feels like a new social media site is created every day and we’re always behind! You do your best to handle a highly demanding job with constant changes like promotions, co-workers who are not doing their share or reductions in workforce, then add the demands of your kids’ schedules. Next you learn that there is a new baby on the way, it’s no wonder you’re stressed out!
Of course, not all stress is bad. The stress an athlete feels before a game usually helps him or her do a better job. A play or public speech usually begins with a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach. Or how about those times when accidents nearly happen? Yes, positive or negative, life is filled with daily stressors.
According to Elizabeth Scott, M.S. of About Health.com, a steady dose of stress can result in an accumulation of cortisol which affects our physical or emotional well-being. Storing higher levels of cortisol can result in a depressed thyroid, suppressed blood sugar or immune system, a decrease in bone density or muscle tissue or better yet, weight gain. Instead of turning to a soda or coffee to help you cope with stressful times, we’ve listed other ways to manage those stressful moments.
Of course, not all stress is bad. The stress an athlete feels before a game usually helps him or her do a better job. A play or public speech usually begins with a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach. Or how about those times when accidents nearly happen? Yes, positive or negative, life is filled with daily stressors.
According to Elizabeth Scott, M.S. of About Health.com, a steady dose of stress can result in an accumulation of cortisol which affects our physical or emotional well-being. Storing higher levels of cortisol can result in a depressed thyroid, suppressed blood sugar or immune system, a decrease in bone density or muscle tissue or better yet, weight gain. Instead of turning to a soda or coffee to help you cope with stressful times, we’ve listed other ways to manage those stressful moments.
Aromatherapy
Another way to release stress can be found in aromatherapy or essential oils. Designed to calm your minds, lavender aromatherapy can help you relax and unwind. Lavender** is an essential part of my Reiki healings for it relaxes and calms your stress. Here are some ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your daily lives.
-Got a headache? Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball, then dab the cotton on the affected areas, watch your headache disappear in a few minutes.
-Want to enhance your bathing experience Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and a cup of Epsom salt to your bath water, it softens the water as it calms the senses.
-Can't sleep at night? Add drops of lavender essential oil to a cotton ball and run it on the soles of your feet before getting into bed. You'll be dozing in no time. Lavender's antifungal properties, reports Science Daily also reduces the chances of acquiring skin and nail infections.
And good news! A little aromatherapy goes a long way; it stretches our budget which reduces our money stress. I call this a win-win!
** Anyone who is allergic to lavender may want to consider using chamomile or eucalyptus aromatherapies which are equally calming.
Exercise
Called, “meditation in motion,” exercise helps your heart and head. Its stress reducing abilities raise your heart rates which in turn, destroys the damage stress causes your brain. Here are some ways to receive a stress-reduction benefit.
-Whether you have a pet or not, take walks in Nature. Stretch your legs as you let go of the daily wear and tear.
-Release endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers in your brain and body as you play tennis, perfect a yoga pose, work out or participate in a Zumba class. Check out the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation for a variety of free class opportunities.
-Consider taking a dance class at a local school or university, their continuing education departments charge reasonable fees for a variety of dance offerings. And not all types of dancing require a partner; line dancing is a favorite group activity.
From aromatherapy remedies to line dancing, to name a few, there are a number of stress-reduction options which may have a beneficial effect on your well-being. Further benefits include sleeping better, slimming down, stabilizing your mood, and most importantly, dealing with life stressors more efficiently. Give it a go! What do you have to lose except your stress?
Another way to release stress can be found in aromatherapy or essential oils. Designed to calm your minds, lavender aromatherapy can help you relax and unwind. Lavender** is an essential part of my Reiki healings for it relaxes and calms your stress. Here are some ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your daily lives.
-Got a headache? Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball, then dab the cotton on the affected areas, watch your headache disappear in a few minutes.
-Want to enhance your bathing experience Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and a cup of Epsom salt to your bath water, it softens the water as it calms the senses.
-Can't sleep at night? Add drops of lavender essential oil to a cotton ball and run it on the soles of your feet before getting into bed. You'll be dozing in no time. Lavender's antifungal properties, reports Science Daily also reduces the chances of acquiring skin and nail infections.
And good news! A little aromatherapy goes a long way; it stretches our budget which reduces our money stress. I call this a win-win!
** Anyone who is allergic to lavender may want to consider using chamomile or eucalyptus aromatherapies which are equally calming.
Exercise
Called, “meditation in motion,” exercise helps your heart and head. Its stress reducing abilities raise your heart rates which in turn, destroys the damage stress causes your brain. Here are some ways to receive a stress-reduction benefit.
-Whether you have a pet or not, take walks in Nature. Stretch your legs as you let go of the daily wear and tear.
-Release endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers in your brain and body as you play tennis, perfect a yoga pose, work out or participate in a Zumba class. Check out the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation for a variety of free class opportunities.
-Consider taking a dance class at a local school or university, their continuing education departments charge reasonable fees for a variety of dance offerings. And not all types of dancing require a partner; line dancing is a favorite group activity.
From aromatherapy remedies to line dancing, to name a few, there are a number of stress-reduction options which may have a beneficial effect on your well-being. Further benefits include sleeping better, slimming down, stabilizing your mood, and most importantly, dealing with life stressors more efficiently. Give it a go! What do you have to lose except your stress?