“It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”
– Hans Selye
Happy New Year and a Happy New You! Now that January has arrived, we are all thinking about ways on how to be the best person we can be. We tend to look at ways we can change everything around us to make the stresses of 2016 disappear and not carry them into the current year. In the midst of finding those ways, we cannot help but think about situations in our lives that we need to change and won’t go away by the turn of a calendar page. Stress doesn’t just vanish because we move into a new environment. Stress According to The American Institute of Stress, 60% of Americans succumb to human illnesses and diseases due to stress. For some individuals, the inability to cope with traumatic events can cause this to arise. While some do not realize that their actions are indicative of high levels of stress, I have compiled a list of that will aid us all identifying stress and ways to treat it holistically. This will not only start you off to a great start in the new year, but it will propel you to an overall healthier mental lifestyle.
Many of us succumb to the pressures of stress. So much so that one can allow this to control the way we spend and function throughout our day. It can dictate the way we interact and communicate with other people – including our loved ones. It can happen to the best of us, especially me. Stress hits me hard and manifests itself in so many different forms in my body that physically and emotionally take a major toll on me. As the new year is upon us let’s ensure we place ourselves in the best position possible to combat stress. Thankfully there are many option that will allow us to relieve stress and appreciate the amazing things this year has to offer us.
Signs of Stress
- Pulling Hair: Also medically known as trichotillomania, some people do not realize that they are pulling their hair. This can lead to patches of hair missing or permanent baldness.
- Canker Sore: these type of sores develop in your mouth. I can personally attest to these sores because this is how my stress manifests sometimes without me even knowing I have done so. Although no real treatment is offered currently, the good thing is that over time, canker sores disappear.
- Increased Periods of Sadness: It is safe to say that everyone has had a life changing or stressful time invade their life to where moments of sadness overshadow everything else going on in your life. Sometimes periods of sadness can last for short or longer periods of time; dependent upon the severity of one’s event.
- Biting Nails: When I was a younger, I used to bite my nails all the time. No one would be able to see any type of nail at all on my fingers. I do remember whenever I was going to take a test I would have no nails, so of course during that time biting my nails was my stress reliever.
- Tapping Fingers or Feet: The repetitive actions of this not only makes someone anxious, but also nervous. Deep thoughts can lead to tapping of one’s fingers or feet. When we see others behaving in this manner we often say that they are “fidgety.”
Holistic Treatment for Stress
- Music: Soft music such as neo-soul, jazz, classical, and gospel music personally never fails for me. The soothing melodic voices within these genres always eases my mind to explore calm moments in my life.
- Reading: Self-help books as well as poems are always good to read. My favorite poet is Nikki Giovanni. Her imagination and perspective on life takes you on a journey as if you are with her through the pages. Poets and authors of that magnitude are always good to keep in your library because you can continuously read them on your leisure.
- Adult Coloring Book: This by far has been the most helpful exercise for me lately. I would’ve never thought that coloring in my older years would be as much fun and relaxing as it has been to me. Adult coloring really allows your mind to imagine colors that you would like see as your own personal work of art; this opens up your mind to endless ideas.
- Yoga/Exercise: Yoga happens to be such a relaxing exercise and can be enjoyed for all ages. Not only will you start seeing physical changes in your body, but mentally as well.
- Prayer/Meditation: Prayer is the main premise of what keeps me grounded. It allows me to realign my focus with God and exclude everything else that is surrounding me. Meditation allows us to go to the quiet place and focus solely on internal balance through slow breathing techniques and soft chants.
Although life is not stress free, we now have tools that we can apply in our lives. Learning holistic ways to deal with our stress, can ensure us that 2017 is filled with great opportunity and a healthier mental lifestyle.
