Part two in our series on Emotional Wellness centers on that dreaded topic of “stress.” You know, that word thrown around so frequently that it is hard to comprehend if we really are stressed… or stressed from saying we are stressed.
The definition of stress varies greatly with most individuals forgetting that there is such as thing as “good” stress. “Good” things can come from stress. The word eustress refers to a positive response one has to a stressor. Whether it’s a stress we enjoy such as winning a race or a negative stressor such as having dental work, there are physical, physiological, or biochemical responses. Positive cognitive responses to stress give us a healthy feeling of fulfillment. We must ensure we make strides to keep just the right amount of negative or positive stress in our lives.
Tip #2 for Emotional Wellness: Reduce Negative Stress
A few examples of how to reduce stress are (recommended by the National Institutes of Health):
- Sleep – get enough of it
- Exercise regularly
- Build a social support network
- Set Priorities
- Show compassion to yourself
- Try relaxation methods
- Seek help
Ideally, we would practice all of these examples on a daily basis. In reality, the thought of that can be overwhelming. Instead, consider choosing one way to reduce stress and practice it diligently for a week.
Showing compassion to oneself, a way of reducing stress, often gets overlooked. Instead of focusing on the long list of work and household duties you didn’t complete today, take inventory of your accomplishments. Practicing this along with setting priorities so that we don’t overextend ourselves can certainly release some pressure.
Adding a reduction in stress to building resiliency (Part 1 in our series) will continue you on a journey of emotional wellness that is a precursor to a longer happier life.
