I have never been the type of person that does well with stress. Some people thrive from it or at least they say they do. I know that different people can handle a different amount of stress. Years ago while I was going through a stressful situation I had someone basically tell me to get over it and that people are under more stress than me and managing. Fantastic for them! The fact that they can handle it is great but here is the thing. I can't. I don't think that just because my stress isn't as much as someone else's that I should not feel overwhelmed by it. I feel like I have a lot of stress right now. We are moving which means I have to pack the house while taking care of normal household things (like laundry and cooking) while taking care of three little boys. On top of that I continue to make quilts for charity. Someone else might look at that and think "you think that is stressful let me too you what I have going on." Okay I understand that. I honestly feel like maybe it isn't a lot to have going on and I should be happy that I don't have more, like a full time job.
When I was in school I took a class on stress management. I figured maybe if I understand it a little more I can manage it or at least be able to deal with it. I was going to pull out the book to talk about some of the affects stress has on the body but with moving I have no idea where it is. So I googled it. First here are the things I notice when I am over stressed. I eat a lot. I am an emotional eater and when I get stressed any healthy eating flies out the window. Next I get headaches. Is this from my lack of healthy diet, the tension in my neck from clenching my muscles, lack of water, or from not wearing my glasses. I also see that I have to go to the chiropractor more because I hold my neck and shoulders so tense that it gets to the point that I can barely move them. I also notice that my anxiety goes through the roof. Last week I laid in bed deciding what would be the best fire safety plan in the new house. I decided I needed more smoke detectors more carbon monoxide detectors and a fire escape ladder.
Here is what mayoclinic.org has to say about stress on the body.
"Stress can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. The effects it has on the body are: headaches, muscle tension or pain, chest pain, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and upset stomach. The effects on the mind are: anxiety, lack of motivation, depression, or irritability. " Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior, Mayoclinic staff, June 2013
The stress management class that I took went into a lot more detail talking about what happens to the body over prolonged periods of stress. When I find the book I will talk more about it. If you are interested in the book we used it is called Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky.
The following semester I took the follow up class on different relaxation types. We learned all about meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. Let me tell you, they work! When I start to feel overwhelmed I start with meditation. I try to find a quiet spot in my house (ha ha ha quiet spot) and try to relax. I will either turn on a meditation app or listen to a meditation video on youtube.com. I have found that once I am relaxed it is easier for me to focus on the different poses of yoga. I know when I talk about my exercising consisting of yoga people look at me funny. After being stressed for so long and not doing anything about it, my muscles are tight. Yoga really helps and I love it. I have found that by doing these two things I am able to better manage my stress. Now to find the time to do them again!
Now that you know about my stress level and what I do about it share your story. What works for you!
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