We all have stress in life, it is unavoidable.
Our bodies have a normal mechanism of response, stimulated via the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hormones, that is designed to protect us and get us ready to act quickly in an emergency.
It increases our heart rate and breathing, elevates blood pressure and suppresses digestion and our immune system.
This response is meant to be self-limiting, once the perceived threat is gone. Trouble begins when our stress response is maintained and our ANS doesn’t return to baseline function, but rather stays heightened.
This is very wearing on our bodies and can lead to many health challenges.
Learning to recognise stress in our lives and bodies is useful, so we can implement strategies to calm our nervous system and restore balance.
But how do I manage my stress levels?
Everyone has favourite ways to relax and unwind, mine are most definitely a warm bath or massage. These things free the tissues of my body to relax back to normal, which is soft like a kitten or puppy, rather than rigid and tight as they can while experiencing stress.
Going for a walk is also a favourite - always in nature. If I can pause to observe nature, everything in me slows down to match my environment. Nature has a slower rhythm than cities. Have you ever seen a tree rush? 😇
My animals help me also. Playing with the dogs, patting the cats, watching the chickens scratch, or listening to the ducks talk, all remind me of the joy of right now! No matter what’s happening, it’s a gift from the animals to remember to be here in the moment.
Above all, I trust that all is well! I believe that the universe is rigged in my favour, and I’m getting the experiences I need to learn and grow, all I need to do is ‘manage’ my response.
Building in quiet time each day, so my mind can practice being present, rather than thinking of future or remembering the past is helpful to this end. A quiet or neutral mind is more able to respond to external stimulants and stressors in healthy ways.
So, whether you also enjoy baths, walks, massage, meditation and pets; or prefer yoga, music, spending time with friends or lighting a candle; it’s good to monitor your stress levels. Even better to build some of these habits in as routine 🐶 🐱 🌳 🛀🏻 🧘♀️ 🕯 🎶