Why Are We So Stressed Out?
How often have you heard the following: “I am stressed to the max.”
“I have got too much on my plate, right now.”
“I am burning the candle at both ends.”
“I am burnt out.”
“I am under so much pressure I could explode.”
In our humble opinion, explosions are never good for one’s physical or mental health and should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Unfortunately, in this day and age, there are many things that can induce a considerable amount of stress: The 24-hour news cycle, politics, pandemics, social injustice, finances, chronic health issues, relationships, and the list goes on.
As chronic stress can affect our health and weaken our immune system, it is in our best interest to come up with ways to combat and overcome stress. Let us suggest a few ways to minimize stress.
- Go for a walk, hike, or run. Sometimes just a simple change of scenery can improve your frame of mind. Aerobic activity can also increase the production of endorphins in your brain resulting in what is commonly referred to as a runner’s high. It can improve your mood. As with anything, start slowly. Walk before you run.
- Especially during the pandemic, many of us have been cooped up for prolonged periods of time. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Light can treat depression and lift our spirits. A 60-watt bulb does not qualify.
- It has been said that: Gratitude is an attitude that helps determine altitude. When you are feeling down or stressed, sit down, and make a list of the things that you are grateful for. Studies have shown that grateful individuals enjoy better mental health, less stress, and a better quality of life. Sign me up.
- William Congreve once wrote that “music has charms to soothe the savage breast.” Simply listening to music can turn a frown upside down. Music can relax and inspire.
- Burning a scented candle has the potential of lowering stress and anxiety and is called aromatherapy. Scent molecules travel from the olfactory nerves to the brain and can impact the amygdala, which controls emotions.
- Chew gum. There are several studies that show that chewing gum may help you relax, promote wellbeing, and reduce stress. One train of thought is that chewing gum promotes increased blood flow to the brain.
- Laugh. Then laugh some more. As discussed in previous articles, laughter is thought to be the best medicine. At Advanced Spine and Pain, we are of the mindset that it is virtually impossible to be stressed out when you are laughing. Laughter can boost your immune system and lower your stress. Find a humorous novel or funny TV show and let the benefits of laughter roll on out.
- Try taking a yoga class. There are several different types of yoga, but all tend to focus on joining mind and body. Some studies suggest that yoga may be as effective as antidepressant medication in the treatment of stress reduction.
- XXXXOOOO (Hugs & Kisses). Positive physical contact may help lower stress by releasing the hormone oxytocin and lowering blood pressure.
- Serve others. As we see the world in turmoil, we sometimes feel that there is no hope. But there is always hope. One of the ways to improve hope and improve our little corner of the world is to volunteer and serve others. Studies indicate that the very act of giving back to the community boosts our happiness, health, and sense of wellbeing.
We may not be able to completely eliminate and/or avoid all stressful situations in life but by unplugging and incorporating a few or all of the above suggestions, we are confident that our levels of stress will be on the decline soon.