De-Stress
Filed under: gadgets and gizmos, lifestyle, technology, thinking, trends
Here is a revelation. Stress is a function of how we respond to events rather than events themselves. In turn it is within our power to change how we respond.
When stressed the body releases “stress hormones” , adrenalin and cortisol. This response goes back to ancient times and is known as the “fight or flight” response to prepare you for an immediate physical threat. The heart beats faster, blood pressure rises, you breathe more rapidly and blood is diverted to the muscles.
Today the sorts of stressors we face are different. Financial, family or work related stress can be ongoing for extended periods of time. The body does not know the cause of the stress and reacts the same way it always has with release of stress hormones.
Over time this can adversely affect both mental and physical health (depression and heart disease to name but two). Epidemiological studies have shown that stress over a ten-year period correlated with a five-fold increase in cancer rates.
So what can we do to de-stress?
Technology, which is sometimes blamed for stress can also be help if used correctly. You can download a guided relaxation or meditation onto your MP3 player or plug headphones into your computer and do a meditation. You can find things to laugh at on the internet. Laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces production of stress hormones and releases the body’s own “happy hormones” the endorphins
You can connect with friends through technology. You can also use the one button that people forget about-the off button. Play with your children or grandchildren. Children are better at laughter than adults and yes it is “contagious”.
Work life balance is a buzz term but is actually important. You need your sleep, exercise and relaxation time. Green tea, dark chocolate and a bit of fresh air and sunshine help can help reduce stress too. Furthermore those who do strike the right balance are more productive in their work time.
Last but not least, when feeling stressed, take three slow deep breaths. You will immediately feel more relaxed. Then ask yourself what can I do to deal with whatever is making you feel stressed? Once dealt with, stress starts to melt away.
So tell us, what do you do to de-stress?
Dr Joe, you are correct in saying to down load a quiet relaxing mp3. I was given a CD called Mindfullness which covers coping with stress and enxiety. It had both mind and body exercises. I downloaded it to my phone and used to listen to it when I felt the need. It was great. I could be listening to it on the way to work or if I couldnt sleep I would play it & no one would know. It was my own private relaxation session.
To beat stress I get up about 5am, go for a run, enjoy the peace and quiet in my only uninterupted me-time for the day.
Running helps me sleep better, gives me more energy and
ollows my subconscious to solve some work problems.
“Stress is a function of how we respond to events rather than events themselves. In turn it is within our power to change how we respond.”
True – stress is a mental reaction based on us interpreting the input we receive, and we should train ourselves to minimise this trigger.
But without being too negative we need to be careful about as this also becomes a very convenient way to ignore pressure, hostility and a poor work environment or culture and then conveniently hold individuals responsible if they show any signs of stress.
On a more positive/constructive side – I think one big thing we don’t do enough of is exercise. This is an excellent stress controller and unfortunately many of us are involved in increasingly sedentary roles – often sitting in front of a PC all day. This certainly is something completely under our control.
I reduced my stress levels by changing to a more understanding, userfriendly, promise-keeping, teleco. It’s nice now knowing that the company that I deal with actually care about their customers and providing customer service.
Perhaps if National Stress down day was really an issue, we’d have got the guided relaxation for free and every day in Telstra land would be about reducing our stress!
Hi Dr Joe,
A strange question for you, but who is the artist of the picture for this blog (the picture of ocean beach to horizon)? How can I find a copy of this picture?
Thanks,
Craig
Hi Craig, Glad you like the picture. As the online publisher of this blog, I make up the majority of the imagery on the posts from stock photos. I have sent you an email and when i get a moment I’ll find it and refer you to where you can buy it. Brendan.