Rest, Reassess, Rejuvenate

3 Steps for Managing Stress

Staying Healthy Requires "Addressing the Stress"

Stress is the #1 contributor for the onset of headaches, pain, fatigue, lack of focus and a host of other physiological and emotional symptoms.  There will always be things, people or circumstances coming into our sphere of life that can grate on our nerves and uproot our sense of balance.  Managing these triggers is necessary so that we can live the life we desire, and keep our physical and mental well-being in balance.

The 3 R's for Lowering Your Stress Level Holistically

#1 - Rest 

Seems like a simple thing to do, but as a culture we believe that we should always be DOING.  As a result, our bodies are often in "fight or flight" mode, keeping the sympathetic nervous symptom constantly activated due to a perceived threat.  This can create anxiety, elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations and muscle tension..  Because stressors tend to reoccur daily, our nervous system can remain in a constant state of high alert, releasing the stress hormone Cortisol.  Cortisol interferes with learning and memory, lowers immune function and bone density, and contributes to weight gain, high cholesterol, sleep disturbance and heart disease.  Allowing our mind, body and spirit to rest and rejuvenate is necessary to the quality and longevity of our health.

#2 - Reassess  

Instead of always focusing on "doing", we need to focus more time on BEING.  This is a time to look at our priorities, what, if anything we can let go of in that moment, or that day, and accept that if we don't accomplish the 50 things we have on our to-do list, our world won't fall apart.  Putting constant pressure on ourselves to do more and be more assumes the idea that we aren't good enough.  This perpetuates the continual "fight or flight" state that manifests as anxiety, irritability, frustration or depression.  Even though we are mentally and physically tired, the innate drive to survive pushes us beyond our limits, adding additional stress to our body, and consequently our emotional and spiritual well-being.  It becomes a vicious cycle that is very difficult to stop.  

#3 - Rejuvenate 

Implementing daily and weekly rituals that actively replenish our reserves is important in restoring our well-being.  The activities and stress of each day slowly uses up our reserves and if we don't replenish it, the systems of our body won't function optimally.  Our brain chemistry will be affected, our immune system will be compromised and we open ourselves up to illness and injury.  It is NOT selfish to exercise self-care and employ health practices to benefit our well-being. We maintain our cars, appliances, homes, and put hours of planning and care into our careers.  Doesn't our body and soul deserve the same attention?

Employing the Steps

#1 - Rest

Rest can look like a hot bath with epsom salts, reading a book, unplugging from technology, or just taking a nap.  It can be sitting outside and enjoying the sounds of nature while listening to your favorite music. Alone time. Simply put...it is spending time without expectation that anything has to be done.  

#2 - Reassess

Reassessing your level of doing, and noticing what you HAVE accomplished can re-center your thinking. The simple process of writing down what you have done each day can help your mind solidify how much you've actually done (a personal favorite). Contemplate "What can I let go of today?  How Can I be more compassionate with myself?  Is what I'm doing serving my well-being? "

#3 - Rejuvenate

Rejuvenate your energy and reserves with immune supporting and stress supporting herbs such as Ginger, Turmeric, Elderberry, Holy Basil and Echinacea. Eat whole foods, and enjoy energy raising activities such as dance, yoga, or qigong.  Use healing modalities such as massage, acupuncture or infrared heat to invigorate and align all of the systems of the body. Take some weight off your shoulders. Receive personal and spiritual support.