De-Stress for Success
What do you get when you combine a demanding
work schedule, a busy family life, and an active social
life? For many of us, it’s stress. Almost one-third of
Americans feel extremely stressed on a regular basis, according
to a recent study by the American Psychological Association.
“But the stress doesn’t come from these things themselves,”
says Pam Lichtenstein, Wellness Specialist at OSF Saint
Francis Medical Center. “The stress comes from our emotional
reaction to these things.”
LEARN HOW TO HANDLE STRESS
Lichtenstein knows a thing or two about stress. She is a licensed HeartMath® stress management instructor who spends her days teaching people how to better handle their stress while increasing their energy and productivity. “We try to teach people how to slow things down enough to gain a better perspective,” says Lichtenstein. “If you are feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have access to the part of your brain that can come up with a good solution. But if you take a few moments to focus on things you care about while taking a few slow, deep breaths, you are now physically able to deal more effectively with the situation at hand.” Reliving a positive memory brings longer lasting balance and harmony back to your whole body. This builds up your stores of energy to help you bounce back from a bad day.RELAX FOR YOUR BODY’S SAKE
“Managing stress is important because it can take a toll on your body,” says Lichtenstein. “Stress has been associated with a higher incidence of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.” Lichtenstein suggests taking a moment every day to connect with what is important to you and appreciate and care for others. “Ultimately, helping others will make you feel better, too.”RECOGNIZING STRESS What’s Your Story?
To get an idea of what kinds of things cause you stress and how you handle it, we asked five women at different stages of life to relate their own experience.Erin, age 28
Sources of stress: Being pregnant and working full-time. I’m so exhausted after work that I just want to sit on the couch with my dog and do nothing. But then I start to feel guilty because the housework is piling up.Stress relievers: I save the housework for Sundays now so I can relax after work and not feel guilty. I also de-stress by getting together with my friends and talking with my sister on the phone.
Holly, age 38
Sources of stress: Having too many things to do at once. I have three kids younger than age 10 and two careers—I’m a nurse and Navy reservist. When I have commitments for all three things at once, that’s when I feel the most stress.Stress relievers: My sense of humor. I feel like I can laugh at almost anything. Coworkers have told me that my sense of humor helps others alleviate their stress, too. I also live on gratitude. I try to always feel grateful for what I have, and that helps me keep things in perspective.
Jo, age 45
Sources of stress: My stress comes from my lack of time. I have three children and work full-time. I like to be involved in my children’s lives, and it can be stressful finding time to do everything I want.Stress relievers: I try to keep things in perspective by remembering what is most important to me and not worrying about the small things. I try to find a lot of laughter in life. If I can find a little laughter even in hard situations, it can make everyone feel more relaxed. And if all else fails, I try a bubble bath and a good book!
Dee, age 57
Sources of stress: The number one thing that stresses me out is that my income is fully dependent on commission. This makes it hard to budget for things from month to month, especially as a single woman.Stress relievers: When I am feeling really stressed, I pick up my 6-year-old granddaughter and spend time with her. She gets me feeling back on track right away. I also turn off my TV every night at 10 p.m. and read for a while before bed. This helps me feel relaxed before I go to sleep every night.
Judy, age 72
Sources of stress: I feel stressed when I can’t exercise or spend time with family or friends.Stress relievers: I’ve learned never to turn down a fun invitation because of chores—the house and chores can wait. I read a lot. I keep in touch with friends and am tuned in to their lives. I exercise for at least an hour a day, five times a week, and I have two part-time jobs that I love. And remember, stressed is just desserts backward. You’ve got to eat them first and enjoy!
FEELING STRESSED?
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