Silvana Baumann says chronic stress causes wear and tear on the body and can exacerbate existing problems. When stress starts to interfere with the ability to live an everyday life over a long time, it becomes even more dangerous. For example, an individual may feel tired, unable to concentrate, or irritable for no good reason. The longer the stress lasts, the worse it is for someone’s mental and body health.
Some people resort to harmful (mental) habits such as increased alcohol consumption and smoking to deal with tensions. According to Davis (n.d.), various techniques can be used to manage stress. These include mental, emotional, and behavioral strategies. When stress management is used regularly, and in response to stressful life events, we can optimize our well-being.
Stress is skyrocketing amongst all demographics. The consequences from Covid-19 are manifesting into fear (of infection), higher immortality, and isolation.
Of the many treatments (practices) to help alleviate stress like exercise, nutrition, counseling; a major skill (trait) that needs development is resilience. According to the article by Reade (2022) “in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, and threats, the significance of “bouncing back” (resilience) is a mental process that can be developed.”
The ability to minimize “reacting” to events outside our control and “respond” in the space between thoughts, is a learned ability that comes from wisdom, discernment, and experience. I wonder if you agree that good judgment is the result of experience, and most of our painful (stressful) experience(s) is usually the result of bad judgment? I know we all can relate after reflection on ways we could have improved a situation that led to our stress.
Chronic stress puts the body into a “breakdown” state of being and creates chemical reactions in the body that are not healthy. I appreciated that Baumann (2022) highlights this truth in her statement “excessive stress can result irritability,” and can lead to stomach problems (ulcers). Building stress resilience requires a strategy (mindset) and daily practice such as, breathing deeply, eating slowly, living in gratitude, and moving more according to Reade.
Clear the mind of negative attitudes. Faith attracts circumstances equivalent to our belief and understanding which in turn is reflected in our actions. The mind must be cultivated and maintained by faith. Faith diminishes stress and increases your capacity to overcome stress by belief.
The self imposed limitations of fear, poverty, illiteracy, and superstition can be overcome with the energy of infinite intelligence given to everyone. Be grateful for all problems (stress) for they are the seeds of equivalent success.
Stress is an internal reaction that can be transmuted into a response of Faith that triggers us to make decisions (demands) to move forward with confidence. Manage the mind and watch how your stress is diminished.
References
Bauman, S. (2022). Summarizing stress management. https://GCU.edu
Berkley Well-Being Institute. (n.d.). Stress Management: Definition, Techniques, and Strategies. https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/stress-management.html#:~:text=Stress%20management%20is%20defined%20as,mental%20or%20physical%20well%2Dbeing
Reade, C. (2022). Helping older adults flex their stress resilience muscles. Life Energy Foundation. https://www.thelifeenergyfoundation.org/helping-older-adults-flex-their-stress-resilience-muscles/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwj7CZBhDHARIsAPPWv3fVxE0zwz_5LNmNkTtnBaVx5NTn-OyrmrBrEsZGxX2zo7qeDq49-ZkaAvZAEALw_wcB
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