Stress... we've all got it! So what is it, and what do we do about it?
Cleveland Clinic defines, "Stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone. In fact, the human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. When you experience changes or challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses. That’s stress.
Stress responses help your body adjust to new situations. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger. For example, if you have an important test coming up, a stress response might help your body work harder and stay awake longer. But stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation."
So stress isn't always bad or always good, but it is something we will all encounter. As veterans and caregivers, our daily stressors can be pretty overwhelming, from juggling appointments, work, triggers, finances, injuries, children, and everything in between.
So what do we do?
You can't avoid it, but you may be able to implement some daily strategies to help.
Cleveland Clinic suggests:
- "Exercise when you feel symptoms of stress coming on. Even a short walk can boost your mood.
- At the end of each day, take a moment to think about what you’ve accomplished — not what you didn’t get done.
- Try relaxation activities, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation.
- Eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep help your body handle stress much better.
- Stay positive and practice gratitude, acknowledging the good parts of your day or life.
- Accept that you can’t control everything. Find ways to let go of worry about situations you cannot change.
- Learn to say “no” to additional responsibilities when you are too busy or stressed.
- Stay connected with people who keep you calm, make you happy, provide emotional support and help you with practical things."
We asked our team, "What's your favorite thing to do to relieve stress?"
Here's what they said:
I like to exercise, read or take a walk. Hiking, we love walking the trails in my area. ~ Denys
Run or any kind of exercise. ~ Sarah
Making wood furniture or along that line. ~ Juan
Worship, read, exercise… My wife loves gardening and taking care of her orchids! ~ Walter
Cuddling up with my kiddos and/or my fur babies and watching a movie. ~ Lacy
Listening to music, working in my yard! ~ Joy
Wake up 15 minutes before sunrise to watch it. ~ Brie
I enjoy exercising and gardening! ~ Jess
I enjoy Journaling and listening to music on our swing! ~ Beth
What positive strategy do you use to help keep stress at bay?
