Learning to Live with our Stress
All of us have those things that just set us off. We used to call them buttons and some folks always seemed to know where they were. But, they are more like triggers that set off a near automatic response for us. For some, money problems stir up a host of insecurities. An unkind word from a friend can trigger an instant word of retaliation. The car that cuts you off in traffic triggers a cascade of words you would rather not speak in the presence of your Grandmother. They are general, ordinary, daily events that have become very significant for us. This significance causes us to overreact to them without much thought.
Unfortunately, we are usually less aware of our stressors than those around us. Our husband or wife, family members, or good friends usually have a better idea of the things that set us off. They have learned to duck when they see them coming. We, however, often remain quite unaware of these triggers. They seem very natural to us.
The danger is not only the outbursts of anger or shame that they trigger. They add to the stress in our lives by piling on one more straw. The stress may grow imperceptibly at first, but it will continue to accumulate unless we take some measures to relieve it throughout the day.
There are several signs that we are allowing this stress to accumulate under the radar in our life. Do we seem to have less control over your emotions as the day goes on? Do you feel the tension growing in your lower back, shoulders, neck, head, or stomach as the day moves forward? Do you struggle to keep your attention and focus throughout the day? Do you find yourself irritable when you finally get home and take it out on those around you? Do you struggle to let go of the day when you lay your head on your pillow?
These are signs that the stressors in your life may be slipping in un-noticed throughout the day. They are triggering changes in your mind-body-soul and only become evident when the weight becomes more than your spirit can bear.
Unfortunately, we are usually less aware of our stressors than those around us. Our husband or wife, family members, or good friends usually have a better idea of the things that set us off. They have learned to duck when they see them coming. We, however, often remain quite unaware of these triggers. They seem very natural to us.
The danger is not only the outbursts of anger or shame that they trigger. They add to the stress in our lives by piling on one more straw. The stress may grow imperceptibly at first, but it will continue to accumulate unless we take some measures to relieve it throughout the day.
There are several signs that we are allowing this stress to accumulate under the radar in our life. Do we seem to have less control over your emotions as the day goes on? Do you feel the tension growing in your lower back, shoulders, neck, head, or stomach as the day moves forward? Do you struggle to keep your attention and focus throughout the day? Do you find yourself irritable when you finally get home and take it out on those around you? Do you struggle to let go of the day when you lay your head on your pillow?
These are signs that the stressors in your life may be slipping in un-noticed throughout the day. They are triggering changes in your mind-body-soul and only become evident when the weight becomes more than your spirit can bear.
Tip -- Daily Spiritual Health Breaks
Take a daily Spiritual Health break to let off some of the stress before it accumulates. These little activities allow us to short-circuit the stressors. They will not make all the stress go away, but they will allow us some measure of control over how much we will carry with us through the day.
Take care of yourself. You are a gift to those around you.
- Take a walk
- Spend some time outside
- Enjoy a quiet cup of herbal tea
- Take a few minutes to call or text your significant other or close friend
- Close your eyes and listen to your own breathing
- Spend a few minutes in prayer or meditation
- Read a chapter or two of a favorite book
- Watch the clouds (Or listen to the rain.)
- Enjoy lunch with a friend
Take care of yourself. You are a gift to those around you.
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