Set Some Stress Boundaries That Work
By Sandy Schroeder
If you are like me, stress just streams through your life. One day it's a financial question and the next day it's a family emergency. Who knows what will be next? If you feel like you are getting bounced around by stressful situations, it may be time to set some important boundaries.
WellAndGood.com says stress actually plunges us into a "fight, flight or frozen" state which spills over into our sleep, what we eat, how we work and how we interact with everyone around us. The brain loses power as it focuses completely on being alive and safe instead of performing daily functions. What to do?
Take Control of Stress
WellAndGood.com suggests using four healthy boundaries to handle stress and improve everything we do. The goal is to recharge our batteries to help us stay strong when the plumbing backs up, the bank deposits go awry or someone in your family gets sick. If we are already strong, we can just go ahead and take care of everything instead of mentally collapsing.
Use These Stress Boundaries
Make life better with some barriers.
Stress that plays on the emotions - When everything makes you feel really bad and you just can't shake the impact, you may be listening to too many people vent or reading too many sad stories. Tell your friends you are taking a break. Then go for a walk, listen to music or laugh your way through an old movie. When you return everything will look better.
Stress that hits the body - This stress occurs when you work too many hours, lose too much sleep, or eat way too much junk food. Give your body a break and fix everything. Make sleep a priority. Shorten your work schedule and cook some really good meals at home.
Stress that feels like burnout - When too much stress exhausts your physical and mental resources, it's time to put on the brakes and take some real breaks. If it does not let up, you may want to talk with your doctor and see a therapist to work through everything. Do not just ignore it. Reach out to friends, family and co-workers as you right the ship. Remember, it's your life and you can only absorb so much stress from those around you.
Stress when you socialize - If you are getting too much or not enough social contact, take steps to establish a better bounce. Mix in some biking, hiking or reading time and return refreshed.
Use boundaries to get the right balance and see what happens. You may feel a whole lot better.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Irvine, Calif.