Stress Management

In our crazy world of time challenges, too many tasks, and constant stimulation from the world, it is very apparent that people are stressed out. Stress comes in two forms -- good stress(eustress) and bad stress(distress). Eustress is a good stress that is healthy and helps up grown and develop in a positive manner. Whereas, distress is negative and destructive to our bodies and minds. For our bodies to adapt and grow, we need to maximize the eustress and minimize the distress.

Distress takes it toll on human physiology by stimulating more cortisol in the body which causes several cascades in the body.

We have let our lifestyle and social norms take control of our life instead of controlling it ourselves. We have let our children take over how we parent. When and why did this happen. Often times we forget that we control our own destiny. If we choose to be planful with our time, talents, and treasures and be responsible people we can do our part in society as a human, an employee, a parent and spouse. We can be the dog that wags the tail, not the dog that the tail wags.

Take back your control of your lifestyle, your health, and your well being. Choose to reduce the stressors in your life by standing up for what you believe, surround yourself with good friends, and parent your children. You can also choose how you respond to stress by being positive and not reactive. Letting people or situations get to you where you go out of control, let your face get red, and say something that you really do not mean is not the best way to react. Learn a new tactic on how to respond to someone in a positive way -- it will change you life and you will lean more about being a patient and responsible human -- I have learned this through much prayer and practice.

Put yourself in positive and successful situation that build eustress. This is what exercise can do for you help you feed good about accomplishing a goal of burning some calories or doing a recreation with someone. I enjoy hitting the tennis ball around with friends, taking time to play some disc golf, or kayaking on the water. All of these activities are helping me be more positive than negative. When I get stressed, I have learned to take some deep breaths, take a break and walk in a circle, or react in a positive way.

I challenge you to look at your life this week and identify some ways to reduce stressors in your life and find creative ways to react positively in a negative situation while also performing some activities that build your eustress. Keep an open mind and ask others what they do!