UPDATED: 7/23/23
Stress is an unfortunate part of life that can have serious, negative effects on your health, relationships, and overall well-being. However, many people take the burden of dealing with stress on their own, and fail to utilize resources that could help them cope with it.
Two Kinds of Stress
Stress can act as an accelerator. It will push you either forward or backward, but you are the one who chooses the direction. Forward accelerating stressors can help you grow and improve in various areas of your life, such as trying new things, the pressure to perform well or reach your goals, challenging yourself, and determining to live a healthier lifestyle. These types of stressors are essential for growth and success in life and can serve as motivation to achieve great things.
This is called "eustress".
- eustress
- positive, manageable
- takes you out of your comfort zone to challenge those "firsts" > interview, date,
- provides protection: kicks your body into "flight or fight" when there is a threat or danger
- helps with focus, energy, and alertness:
- when giving a presentation to help you rise to the challenge from beginning to end
- help you set higher priorities when you would rather be watching TV or "playing hooky"
- to help assist through those "game-changer" events and experiences
On the other hand, backward or negative accelerating stressors, such as overwhelming workloads, the weight of financial troubles, strain on relationships, fear of failure, and ongoing health concerns can hold you back and hinder your progress. Prolonged, extreme, or chronic stress can even cause you harm, affecting every system in your body. This is "distress":
- distress
- negative, overwhelming
- damages mood and outlook
- disrupts sleep
- can trigger health concerns such as depression and anxiety
- feeling like there is more on your plate than you an handle
According to Psychologist Connie Lillas, there are three major ways in which people respond to overwhelming stress.
- The angry, agitated, overly emotional, keyed up "fight" response is like having your "foot on the gas".
- Having your "foot on the brake:" is the "flight" response ... being withdrawn, depressed, shutting down with very little emotion or energy.
- The "freeze" stress response is having your "foot on both"(brake and gas) ... basically, paralyzed and unable to do anything
Signals of Stress
Stress can effect you in four different ways:
- cognitive: this involves anything having to do with your brain and thinking ability ... memory, concentration, anxiousness, judgment, negative vs positive, worry
- emotional: your state of mind expressed through feelings ... unhappiness/depression, anxiety/agitation, moodiness, irritability, anger, overwhelm, loneliness/isolation, mental/emotional health
- physical: aches/pains, digestive issues, dizziness, frequent colds/flu, chest pain/rapid heart rate, loss of sex drive
- behavioral: changes in eating and sleeping habits, withdrawn, procrastination, neglecting responsibilities, self-medication using cigarettes, alcohol, drugs to relax, nervous habits such as nail biting/pacing
While you may think you can handle everything on your own, it's vital to remember that resources are available to assist you in times of need. Relying on these resources can help you manage your stress levels, maintain your mental and emotional well-being, and avoid burnout. By utilizing these resources, you can approach challenges with a more level head and reduce the stress and anxiety that can come with trying to go it alone.
Ultimately, relying on available resources is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's essential to prioritize self-care and seek out help when needed to maintain your overall health and well-being.
Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote relaxation, relieve tension, and calm the mind and body. When it comes to stress, it's all about finding the right essential oil for your needs. For example, Lavender is widely known for its calming properties, and can be diffused or applied topically to promote relaxation. Copaiba oil is ideal for reducing stress and anxiety. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, has invigorating properties that can help you feel more alert and focused when you're feeling down.
The value of using essential oils to manage stress cannot be overstated. Stress can lead to a range of physical and emotional health problems, such as high blood pressure, headaches, and depression. By incorporating essential oils into your daily routine, you can reduce stress and increase your overall well-being.
Stress is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach, and essential oils are just one tool that can help you achieve greater balance and wellness. Aside from essential oils, other natural ways to manage stress include:
1. Exercise – regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood and increase energy levels
2. Meditation – meditation can help you relax, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mental clarity
3. Healthy diet – a balanced diet can help improve overall mental and physical well-being
4. Sleep – getting adequate sleep is essential for the body and mind to repair and rejuvenate
5. Taking breaks – carving out time for relaxation and leisure activities is essential for mental and emotional health
The quote "S.T.R.E.S.S. Someone Trying to Repair Every Situation Solo" is a powerful reminder of the importance of utilizing the resources available to us when dealing with stress. Essential oils have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation, and can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to live a healthier, more balanced life. So the next time you feel stressed, give essential oils a try and see how they can help you feel calm, centered, and more in control of your life.
A variety of situations can cause effects of stress on different areas of the body. What if you could have a a guide to show you what those areas of your health most in need of help are? These cutting-edge technology scans are exactly that ... a guide to move your health journey forward. Are you ready for a change?
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