Never Underestimate the Power of Resilience
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us carry a fair amount of good and bad stress every day. We may be moving through work projects, balancing a busy social life, and juggling lots of fun moments with our kids and pets.
On the down side, today’s financial complexities, loss of friends or family members, or ongoing changes at home, add even more stress, but the ability to bounce back can make the difference. How we handle the ups and downs of life may have an impact on present and future health.
If you have the ability to bounce back from stress, you may live longer, be depressed less, and simply enjoy life more, according to Harvard Health.
If you can't bounce back, you may slip into a pattern of chronic stress with the risks of a weaker immune system, blood pressure spikes, ongoing anxiety or depression, indigestion, insomnia, heartburn or heart disease.
How to Strengthen Resilience
Harvard Health scientists tell us resilience is a skill we can learn and strengthen with these approaches.
Adjust your view of life – You may hover over your kids, maintain a perfect home, and ace every project, all at the same time! That’s a lot of stress to absorb! Pause to let everything that you do move at a natural rate that lets you breathe, too.
Explore meditation – Try moving meditations in yoga, tai chi or walking. Step away from the daily chaos to do deep breathing exercises. You may lower blood pressure, calm stress hormones, and improve heart and breathing rate.
Think differently – When stress hits, it’s tempting to panic, but it might be smart to just pause for a cup of hot tea. Doing something positive puts the world back into perspective.
Giggle more – When you have just been hit by an unexpected call from your kids, a new deadline, and a missed calendar date, you need a few giggles to boost your immune system and deflect stress hormones. Call a funny friend immediately. Later, watch your favorite funny movie.
Vent a little – Family members and close friends can be amazing stress absorbers. Venting helps. Return the favor when they need help.
Keep moving – Check with your doctor before starting new routines. Hit the treadmill, or go for a brisk walk. Try for 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily to protect your brain and your heart.
Dine well – Sit down to healthy suppers with friends and family, enjoying the best in fruits, nuts, vegetables, fish, and whole grains.
Rest well – Someone said sleep knits the raveled sleeve of care. Make sure you get 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted rest every night. Then you will be ready to bounce back in the morning.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Windermere, Fla.