By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Most of us have preconceived ideas about stress. Some of our conclusions are valid, and others are myths. Let’s look at what stress is according to professionals, what stress isn’t, and how we can protect ourselves from debilitating damage to our bodies.
I once believed that stress got blamed for all the medical problems that it supposedly caused. Now I’m convinced unaddressed stressful situations have the potential to destroy us physically and mentally.
With the rise of concerns and statistics about stress, I decided to do a little investigating and share my findings.
Definition
Stress is the body’s normal reaction to tension and strain when adverse situations challenge us.
Truth
Stress can be good for us or damaging to our physical and mental health. Positive stress motivates us to complete a project/task or solve a problem with focus, creativity, and inspiration. We are satisfied with our efforts and achievements. It’s our body’s means of sharpening our minds for short-term projects.
Myth
In an article by Premier Health in 2017, the online publication listed “6 Stress Myths You Might Believe.” I encourage you to read the information. These are explained in the article as:
Myth 1. Stress is the same for everyone.
Myth 2. Stress is always bad for you.
Myth 3. Stress is everywhere—you can’t do anything about it.
Myth 4. The most popular stress-reducing techniques are the best.
Myth 5: No symptoms, no stress.
Myth 6: Only major stress symptoms require attention.
Bad/Chronic Stress
Bad stress occurs when victims view a happening as a physical threat. When situations continue to affect them, chronic stress steps into the picture. Victims suffer from headaches, weakened immune symptoms, heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, stroke, overweight, vomiting, diabetes, and more. Mentally we can become depressed, face an inability to focus or concentrate, and/or avoid people and challenging circumstances.
Web MD lists stress as a factor in other medical and mental issues. Worth the read for a better understanding of how our bodies react to potential threats.
What Happens to the Body During Stress?
The Mayo Clinic explains exactly what happens to the body during stress. Hormones rise to aid our adrenaline to eliminate the threat. Although we can work to handle stress appropriately, sometimes our genetics and/or life experiences contribute to our inability to manage unexpected events in our lives.
Solutions
The Mayo Clinic offers “Mayo Mindfulness: Try the 4 A’s for Stress Relief.” The article suggests the following to help cope with undo strain and tension: avoid, alter, accept, or adapt. The article offers sound medical advice with wisdom and insight.
In this article, the Mayo Clinic shares how to handle stress in a healthy manner. The writer offers tips about health, exercise, taking time for ourselves, helping others, and a host of items that we know we should do, but don’t always take the time. Now we have a reason!
Crosswalk offers a variety of articles and resources on Christian living, including topics related to health, wellness, and stress management from a biblical perspective. They provide insights on how faith can guide a person in taking care of their body, which they view as a temple, and in managing stress through prayer, meditation on scripture, and reliance on God’s strength.
Another resource you might find helpful is Focus on the Family. This organization provides numerous resources on Christian living, family life, and emotional well-being, including ways to manage stress and maintain physical and spiritual health through faith.
DiAnn’s tip: Take care of our “temple.” It’s meant to last a lifetime. And use prayer to communicate to God about the stressors and ask Him for the best way to handle them.
If you’d like additional information, search the National Institute of Health, Harvard Health, Science Daily, The American Institute of Stress, and the American Psychological Association.
Do you have a tip that helps relieve stress?
