Coping with stress during a crisis

Hey everyone! 

Today we are going to talk about how to manage stress and tips to a healthy balanced life. Stress can be caused by many factors in our lives.  Stress is defined as “a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc.”, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary. Stress can even be physically harmful to our bodies. When we are overwhelmed, our bodies shut down which causes our immune system to shut down as well. What happens when your immune system isn’t working? We are more prone to illness. That’s why it’s important to find a daily or weekly technique to keep our mind, body, and soul balanced.

Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body's response to anything that requires attention or action.  (What makes you stress?)

These past two years have probably been the most stressful times for us all.  If you had other stressors beside COVID, I can imagine how overwhelmed, tired, and burnt out you must feel. But luckily there’s a key to  handling stress. First, if you’re thinking that stress can be cured, think again! Stress is inevitable. We are born in stress. No seriously! When a baby is born into this world, that is classified as a stressful situation. Anyways! Are you ready to learn 5 strategies to managing stress?

4 Ways to Relieve Stress:

1. Take a break - Sometimes you need your space. It's okay to disconnect from the world each day and focus on you. You may also know it as "me day or mental health day". Breaks were invented so people can avoid being angry, burnt-out, and overworked. Why it it important to take breaks?  It's important to take breaks because focusing on one task for a long period of time is mentally, and even sometimes physically exhausting. You ever study for a test for a long time, and you just got so frustrated you took a break? Well life requires breaks too. Taking a break allows you to reset without repercussion.  Meditation(breathing techniques) and prayer are a great way to focus on mindfulness and feel calm. 

2. Find the root cause of the stressor - Solutions to why you may be stressed can eliminate and even prevent physical harm to your body. Above, I mentioned you can become physically ill due to stress. Before you get that headache, cold, or even serious injury, find out who, what. where, and why this is happening. Many times stress can sneak up, and if it not dealt with right away it can be cancerous. 

3.Movement/Eating Habits- I combined these two together because even eating healthier can significantly reduce stress levels in the body.  Such as green leafy foods, salmon, tumeric, green tea, and more.  For more information see this page https://health.clevelandclinic.org/eat-these-foods-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety/ Movement has been proven to reduce stress levels because it releases chemicals through the body causing you to feel relaxed, and feel more positive. For more information check this link out https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety#:~:text=Activities%20%E2%80%94%20such%20as%20walking%20or%20jogging%20%E2%80%94,releasing%20endorphins%20and%20improving%20your%20sleep%20and%20self-image.

4. Pleasure what makes you happy?- Finding out what makes you happy can be a huge help in preventing stress and managing it. For example, if you love music there are various music genres that can reduce stress. Or simply listening to your favorite song will get you in a positive mood. Another example of pleasure is chocolate and sex.  These two methods in a healthy moderation can also reduce stress levels. So get comfortable and relax!! If you enjoy spending time with friends and family try incorporating that into your schedule. This current times has been difficult, but it doesn't mean we have to let it kill us.  

Stress is inevitable, things are going to happen that are problematic, but if you know yourself and your tipping point. You won't have to let stress wear you down. So I encourage you to try some of the techniques above, when you feel yourself getting overwhelmed and see if it makes a difference in your life. If you enjoyed today's blog make sure you subscribe and have an amazing evening. 

~Mahalia 💓💓