No question, we are living in stressful times, and that was before the onset of COVID-19 and the impacts of social distancing.
Stress is a normal part of our daily lives, even positive life changes like getting a promotion, planning a wedding, buying a house, or even the birth of a child or a grandchild can produce a stress response.
Our bodies react when change occurs. Mentally, physically, or emotionally, we’re going to have a stress response to the majority of situations we face daily. Doesn’t matter if we’re aware of our stress or not, we all react to some degree, our individual responses varying depending on our personal triggers.
Stress isn’t all bad. It keeps us alert, ready to avoid danger, motivated to take action. These are good reactions. Most of the time, stress keeps us alive, driving our responses to emergencies by infusing our bodies with adrenaline for a potential “fight or flight” situation.
Here’s the deal though, prolonged activation of our stress responders causes both mental and physical wear and tear on the body.
Symptoms of chronic stress can include:
- Headache/dizziness
- Upset stomach/gastrointestinal problems
- Elevated blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Sexual dysfunction – whaaaat! Ain’t nobody got time for that!
- Muscle tension/pain especially in neck, face, and shoulders
- General aches and pains
- Sleep issues
- Cognitive issues
- Weight loss or gain
There’s more – the list can go on and on – but I think you get the idea!
In addition, prolonged stress can bring on or worsen symptoms associated with other diseases and chronic pain ailments, such as:
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Arthritis
- Lupus
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
Again, this list can go on for pages. So, I’m gonna stop here, cause it’s stressing me out.
5 ways to reduce stress:
The good news…there’s lots of advice out there on how to manage stress. And yep, these are going to sound remarkably similar to the things we should be doing to reduce chronic pain and maintain our overall health:
- Exercise
- Eat healthily
- Get proper sleep
- Take medications on time
- Utilize relaxation techniques – deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai-chi
5 additional ways to reduce stress:
Keep a positive attitude – not always easy, but it goes a long way in times like these.
Be assertive – let people know what you need but keep the drama for your mama. Actually scratch that, she’s probably more stressed than you are. Just be kind while being assertive.
Make time for hobbies – write that blog, take that walk in nature, make that recipe you’ve been dying to try.
Set limits and manage your time effectively – don’t spend hours upon hours doing shit you hate.
Seek out social support – it’s why we have a tribe, people! We don’t need to be in the same room. Heck, we don’t even need to be in the same country to support each other in a meaningful way. For me, memes, emojis, and inspirational quotes posted on Facebook don’t count as meaningful! They can be funny or moving, but they don’t replace personal interaction.
Finally, if you find yourself needing a little extra support in managing your stress, seek professional help as required. Sadly, I’m not a professional…look for a qualified therapist!
The point is, do what you like to do – and what you can do – to reduce your stress. You’ll live longer. You’ll be happier. The people around you will be happier. We’ll all be rolling around in a big pile of stress-free happiness. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
Unrealistic.
But lovely.
So tell me, what are some of the things that stress you out, and what do you do to manage your stress?
Personally, I get super stressed when the three men in my life (Roy and the boys) get to bickering about EVERYTHING. It drives me nuts. Usually, I end up yelling about how crazy they all are before I remove myself to a quieter room in the house.
Fight and flight. That’s me.
I also get to organizing when I’m stressed. Rough week at work – look out junk-drawer – I’m coming for you!
Anyhoo, I got no time for stress right now. I’m up to my eyeballs managing COVID-19 emails. So, I’ll end this blog by saying, stay safe out there, and practice social distancing, if not for the sake of your health, then do it for someone you love!
Take care, everyone.
Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.
Current pain level 6/10.
Here we are home and doing well. I have decided that I a not going to stress about anything ( I hope) for the next 14 days. It was stressful enough trying to make people understand once we came home they are also under quarantine if they choice to stay in the house. But no they seem to think as long as they don’t come near us they are fine! They can still go shopping and visit people! Oh the best part did you know it’s not airborne only if you exchange spit! Really! OK all the doctors in the world have it wrong !
Edith thanks for writing these blogs they bring a smile and chuckle to this old lady! Looking forward to next weeks blog Stay safe!
So happy to hear you are home safe, and glad that my blogs are serving a purpose. I think we could all use a chuckle or two these days! Difficult for younger gen to wrap their heads around COVID. The risk to them is quite low, the issue is one of them passing the virus onto someone, or a lot of someones, who is/are higher risk. At my house, I use guilt to make kids comply. Although 3 of 4 of us are considered essential workers, so we have no choice but to be out and about!
Happy Spring everyone. The sun is finally out in the Okanagan YAY! My face is worshiping the sun grateful for it’s stress relieving properties… Be careful and stay safe. Our world is better with you in it.
Yes! Sunshine and fresh air…high on my list of things I’m grateful for! Those of us living in non-urban areas are totally benefiting from wide-open spaces. No social distancing required when you’ve got acres to yourself!
I too look forward to the blogs.
Not only do they bring valuable information they also bring humour to my life.
Schools closed=no work for me right now. Trying not to stress over the future.
Trying to enjoy the time off, which I think my body and mind were craving anyway, I have to find something to keep the boredom at bay. All my craft supplies are at my ex’s house still and that’s where they will stay until this is over.
Hoping everyone is staying happy and safe ❤️
And thank you to Edith for doing her job on the covid-19 and to everyone else doing their part to flatten the curve.
Together we can make a difference, as long as we do it apart 😂
Thanks, Lyse. Boredom is a real issue. My guys are feeling it too. So easy to fall into a rut, especially if you are alone, but you’re right, flattening the curve is the priority.
Thank goodness I can take all five pills twice daily with no problems. In the mouth sip of water down they go! I have even taken them without water which was hard but down they went. I feel for people that have a hard time ! One more week of self isolation than we can go for walks! It’s a great day today pain is maybe a six so downstairs I go hopefully to do some sewing.😀🧵
So happy you are feeling well enough to enjoy sewing today!
I envy your pill taking abilities!