“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” Maya Angelou
As we move through life we are constantly faced with change and therefore we need to respond. We often forget that we can choose how to respond to change. If we don’t choose our response, our automatic response can often result in taking too much on which leads to stress. There is much in our life which we cannot control or predict but we always have the choice to respond in a life affirming way. Stress determines the rate of wear and tear on the body. Whether the stress factor is environmental or emotional the body makes physical changes in an effort to prepare for a response. The ‘fight or flight’ response keeps us out of danger, giving us instant energy to run, attack or concentrate. The harm done to the body by a prolonged and repeated exposure to stress is largely an outcome of our individual beliefs, attitudes, personality and our ability to see with objectivity. Our body’s reaction to initial stress involves muscle tension, hormonal changes, increased blood pressure and a quickened respiratory rate. The functioning of the kidneys and digestive system slows down and elimination of wastes can stop, the liver releases stored glucose for additional energy and the skin cools the body by sweating. All of this is of course natural, what isn’t natural is our prolonged exposure to constant low levels or repeated stress which the body adapts to and what were supposed to be short term physical reactions become chronic symptoms of ill health.
Stress or crisis is always an opportunity for growth. Observation and self awareness play a huge role and we sometimes need help to see the way forward.
“Through the consultation process, the patient often sees what is out of balance in their lives, whether it’s about family and relationships, a new house, job or timetable, changes of diet and exercise. Then it’s enough to make simple changes and choices.”
We all need a stress management programme that is realistic and self loving. We all need to make continual assessment of this even if change may look inconsistent to those around you.
Make time every day for self nurturing, restful sleep, exercise which is realistic and enjoyable, spending some time doing things you enjoy, eating wholesome foods mindfully with gratitude and having some quiet time or meditation.
Our unhealthy habits of running out of time, working to deadlines, taking too much on and being self critical not only cause stress but we become caught in a web that affects all our decisions. Many of us become caught in many vicious circles, for example:
- Too busy > eat processed foods > put on weight > exercise becomes difficult > take medications for digestive problems, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- Low energy or mood > drink caffeine and eat sugar > consume alcohol or smoke to calm down > sleep disrupted.
In order to maintain health and wellbeing we regularly need to take a look at our lives and check how we’re doing. Considering our needs for adequate rest and sleep, walking in fresh air, positive relationships, nourishing foods and a time to stop and breathe deeply.
“Walking is man’s best medicine.” Hippocrates
Reference source: Leon Chaitow ‘Stress Proofing Programme’.