As impossible as it may seem, stress and being chased by a bear have a lot in common. Both produce a similar response in your body. Sitting in a traffic jam, trying to meet the challenge of multiple deadlines at work, or getting chased by a grizzly bear all produce stress hormones in your body. As a result, your blood pressure and heart rate rise, your energy surges, and you can run like the wind. All of these responses create a sense of being on full alert. Not a bad way to feel, especially when survival is at stake. However, over the long haul, chronic stress such as this can wear you down. Can you imagine experiencing this fight-or-flight response every time there's some type of stress in your life?
Interestingly, our bodies do experience just such a reaction and eventually, feeling like this is so normal to us that we don't realize how stressed we really are. We may not be able to control how much stress exists in our life but we can learn to control our response to stress. Recognizing what triggers your stress response and learning ways to calm yourself are important tools for keeping stress from ruling your world and keeping you from burning out. Click here to read about Signs of Stress.
The options for managing stress are numerous. One simple way to relieve stress is by exercising regularly. Aerobic exercise increases your body's production of endorphins . Your body naturally produces these powerful substances. Endorphins increase your sense of well-being, making exercise a welcome tool for dissolving the anxiety that goes along with being stressed out. Additionally, activities that focus on breathing, such as meditation, yoga and tai chi, have been shown to help manage stress. Click here to read about fitness and exercise.
On the flip side, not doing anything at all can be a way to get through periods of unexpected stress. This may mean simply planning time away from your cell phone, computer and television, or scheduling a massage each week. All are ways to set time aside for yourself to recharge your battery. Intentionally relaxing your mind and body can keep little pressures from building and stress at bay. As with healthy living in general, your successful formula for managing the stresses in your life will be as unique as you are. Click here for more ideas on managing stress.