My recent office move put my body and mind to the test and definitely had an impact on my health. Moving is one of the top stressors no matter how exciting it may be. There was so much to be done, it overtook my immune system resulting in extra efforts now to rebuild it. Recognizing that stress was taking its toll, allowed me to be proactive with choices to calm and renew body and soul. Life happens but in the midst of chaos I took steps to cope.
Many diseases result from being anxious far too often. A new study out of Ohio State University and published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that dealing with persistent, long-term stress (like that from a toxic boss or from caring for an elderly parent) can actually change your genes, leading to an increase in inflammation that can bring on a variety of health issues.
Coping effectively is truly the miracle for maintaining quality health. Review the best and worst ways that stress can be dealt with and commit to being prepared in your own life.
Best Ways to Cope
- Get Outside – sunlight, earth scent, greenery all lower systolic blood pressure
- Create Rituals – bedtime bath, soothing music, walk outside
- Use Body Not Mind – use hands & fingers to draw, climb rock wall, knit
- Engage in Spiritual Focus – use prayer beads and create positive affirmations or a mantra
- Picture Calm – with eyes closed: slow deep breaths, envisioning a favorite place
- Gratitude Journaling
- Move Your Body – release endorphins to elevate mood
Worst Ways to Cope
- Drink, Smoke or Use harmful substances – creates bigger crashes later
- Isolate Yourself – deep depression can end up taking over
- Ignore or Tough It Out – stress continues to mount inside
- Rehashing Negative – reliving stressful events or difficult people in your mind
- Eating for Comfort – creates cycle of poor nutrition which contributes to more mood swings
Personally, I tapped into several beneficial activities to release my internal stress by taking a painting class, going to yoga, increasing water intake, doing a 3-day juice cleanse, daily meditation and writing in my gratitude journal. As you consider your own rituals or activities to better cope, pay attention to what releases the most tension within your body and mind so you can return to that activity in the future whenever stress rears its ugly head.
