The Stress Antidote

Distress is just another word for a lack of peace and tranquility. Physical health is influenced by spiritual health. When your spirit is uneasy, your physical health is bound to suffer.

WebMD says, "You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts.  Stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress -- a negative stress reaction. Distress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases."  

Self-torture is defined as self-imposed distress.  When we experience stress from our thoughts, we are experiencing a form of self-torture.  Distress is not our friend, it's our enemy.  Relief from stress, the stress antidote, is relaxation.  The opposite of torture is relief, peace and happiness. This information is not news for most of us, yet simply having knowledge of the antidote for stress is not enough. It's like knowing that smoking causes cancer, but we keep smoking anyway (assuming we don't have a death wish).  Knowledge is not power, action is power. 

Here are my 3 tips to keep stress in check:

1.  Use up your vacation time.  
I love vacation, and most people do too, yet most Americans don't use the vacation time they get. According to this CNN Money article, Workers in the United States received an average of 12 vacation days in 2012, which was 2 vacation days less than 2011. Ironically, Americans only took an average of 10 days off.

2.  Do something relaxing on a regular basis. 
Relaxation means different things to different people. For me, sometimes it means doing nothing at all, and other times it means doing something creative and fun. Using up vacation time doesn't mean having to book an expensive trip. Relaxation can happen anywhere and can be very affordable.

3.  Spend some time with those you love that feed your soul. 
Have deep conversations about your worries and stress.  Talking to someone you trust will not only help get it off your chest, it will also put your worry in perspective.  love on your pets and hug your kids.  If you don't have kids or pets, love on your loved one's kids and pets.  Be grateful for these soul nourishing people in your life. 

Consider the following facts from WebMD:

• 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress
• 75 - 90% of all doctor's office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints
• Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.
• The Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA) declared stress a hazard of the workplace.

Here's to a healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2013 - cheers!

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
- Proverbs 3: 1-2