Understanding the Enemy: Stress
Just like you, I used to think of stress as a bad word. Stress was a scary, sinister monster that stalked me in broad daylight, a constant companion in my whirlwind life. I felt its clutches on my mind at work, back home with my kids, Severin and Imogen, and sometimes even in my sleep. But then I realised, to defeat an enemy, you need to understand it. In essence, stress is not all bad. It's our body's way of responding to any kind of demand or threat, an essential part of the survival instinct. It's only when this stress becomes chronic that it starts wreaking havoc on our lives and peace of mind.
A Peek into my Journey with Stress
For years, I was caught in the whirlwind of stress. I used to wake up anxious and go to bed worried. It felt like stress was slowly seeping into the cracks of my life and splintering my peace of mind bit by bit. But everything changed when my ever-supportive spouse Tristan helped me see stress in a new light. Instead of running from it, he urged me to turn around and face it head-on. From that day onwards, I began a journey of understanding, overcoming, and learning to cope with stress, a journey which I wish to share with you all.
Observing the Stress Pattern
The first step in my strategy to conquer stress was to observe it, to get to know its patterns and habits. I kept a stress diary for a month, documenting every instance when I felt stressed. You know what they say, 'A problem well explained is a problem half-solved.' What I learnt from this experiment was that stress is often tied to specific triggers. Once you identify these triggers, stress becomes a more tangible and manageable opponent.
Mind your Breathing
Did you know that the simple act of breathing can act as a powerful antidote to stress? When stressed, our breathing pattern changes. Trust me, I was as surprised as I see you are right now. But the art of mindful breathing, known as pranayama, can help in reducing stress. It involves paying attention to your breath and consciously taking deep breaths, slow exhalation, and calm inhalation. This small action has the power to reset your stress response system, helping you regain control of your mental state and kick stress to the curb.
Physical Fitness: The Secret Stress Buster
One thing I realised during my journey was how significant an impact physical fitness can have on stress management. When we're under stress, our bodies enter the 'fight or flight' response, releasing a burst of energy and hormones. Regular physical exercise helps in draining this excess energy and balancing the hormone level. Personally, yoga and aerobics helped me forge a better relationship with my body and calm my stressed mind. So, get moving, ladies!
Feed your Mind Right
Just as the right fuel is necessary for a car, the same goes for our bodies and minds, even more so when combating stress. Certain foods, aka 'comfort foods', though they provide a temporary distraction, can inflate feelings of anxiety and stress in the long run. Including nutrient-rich foods in your diet such as fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains can help keep your stress levels at bay while boosting your energy and mood.
Put Pen to Paper
Documenting your thoughts and feelings can be a great therapy for managing stress. I began journaling during my stress transformation journey. It turned out to be an excellent avenue to vent my feelings, understand my thoughts and eventually unravel the pattern of my stress triggers. The key here is honesty – The page won't judge you!
The Power of Mindfulness
In my quest to conquer stress, I stumbled upon a magical tool - Mindfulness. Being in the present moment can work wonders for stress. It's about not letting the ghosts of past mistakes or the spectres of future uncertainties trouble you. Just being in the present can help diffuse stress and introduce an immense sense of tranquillity into your life.
Rediscover the Joy of Hobbies
In the hustle and bustle of life, we often disconnect from our passions and hobbies, a mistake that came to light in my encounter with stress. Giving time to your hobbies can be a powerful way of reclaiming control over your mind, and eventually your stress. I picked up painting and it worked wonders for me. Dabble in that recipe you wanted to try, play the guitar, dance or read – Give time to what truly makes you happy!
Reach out – You’re Not Alone
I want to finish on a reassuring note. Stress is universal, and dealing with it is challenging, but remember, you're not alone. Opening up about your stress struggles can not only lighten your heart but also help others who might be going through the same. We’re in this fight together. Let’s turn stress from the enemy into an opportunity to grow, learn and become stronger versions of ourselves.
In conclusion, stress is not an invincible enemy. With understanding, patience and persistence, we can unlock calmness and reclaim our peace of mind. As the final chords of my stress song play, I want to thank my guiding star - Tristan, and my lovely kids, Severin and Imogen, for being my strength in this journey. Here's to vanquishing stress and embracing a happier, healthier, and calmer life!