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One could argue that stress is a natural part of the human experience. However, in modern day life, stress has become a toxic and debilitating epidemic.
When our body experiences a stressful moment, the adrenal glands become stimulated in a cascade of sympathetic neural activity, as the breath quickens and shortens. Known to some as the "fight or flight response," the belly tightens, hampering the digestive process, as muscles are poised to contract. This is a common everyday experience, written into the DNA code of every physical being, and yet when one has an ongoing level of stress in life, the effects can be disastrous for body, mind and spirit.
When in the throes of such a stressful experience, one should question its cause and legitimacy. Am I facing a hungry tiger out in the African savannah? Or am I reacting to the hurried driver who cut me off in the right lane? Both are real experiences, and stress actually helps us to deal with the situation in an immediate way that is self-protecting. Yet, how can we have stress without being had by it?
Stress need not run one's life. With mindfulness, one can react or respond. A stressful encounter can be embraced, where it can be made more manageable, and the adrenal response of the body can be used in a positive way, or one can be eaten up by the flames of stress and find oneself in a challenging reactionary circumstance.
Some tips to consider in reigning in stress:
~ Recognize where stress is coming from. Is it related to finance, health or relationships?
~ Learn how to communicate with others and be prepared ahead of time.
~ Rid yourself of clutter, including toxic relationships (another form of clutter).
~ Relax and take a deep breath. Find a Yoga or martial art practice to strengthen your body and mind.
~ Prioritize what is really important in your life and spend more time with family and friends.
~ Make acupuncture and aromatherapy massage a regular part of your lifestyle.
~ Find time to be creative; dance with free flow movement to express yourself.
~ Eat organic and nutrient-rich food. Drink a cup of tea, savor the moment and turn off the Blackberry or iPhone.
~ Take time to be in nature. See the sunlight, get some fresh air.
~ Find a meditation practice and stick to it.
~ Detox seasonally.
~ Do some volunteer work to help others.
Most of all, practice "gratitude." Too many of us take for granted what is around us. When we appreciate even the simplest things in our lives, our heart opens up to see our life in a more meaningful way.
As Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." The real way to experience change is to look within ourselves and see what we must do.
Wei Huang Bertram is the owner/director of Arogya Holistic Healing in Westport.
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