Coping with stress

Mount Mayon Philippines
photo by JR Diaz

Have you ever seen an active volcano that can erupt anytime? Now imagine that active volcano is you who is ready to explode at any moment unless something is done about it. I remember driving through a massive traffic jam one time and it was already evening I wanted to get home as soon as possible but I can't because all cars were moving like tortoises at the same time I had to remain alert because someone could overtake me or worse I could hit another vehicle. So I was in a stressful situation but I had to stay alert but at the same time keep calm. It was pointless for me to get home that quickly because I was stuck in traffic so my concern was to avoid any accidents even if it meant moving like a tortoise. Finally I was able to get home but the stress remained not only was I tired but I was tensed and irritable.
My blood pressure was rising, my head was aching and I had trouble sleeping that night only to wake up the next day still feeling stressed out. Something was not right so I researched what stress is all about and found that it's perfectly normal for the mind to go on fight or flight mode during intense situations, like dodging a bullet or jumping off a sinking ship as a result the body releases stress hormones to remain more alert and to prepare the body for the situation at hand. But even if the situation is over for others their stress hormones keep rising thus resulting in high blood pressure, irritability, body pain and other forms of discomfort. You guessed it right that's me. I find it hard to believe but stressful experiences that happened whether years ago or just yesterday bothers me still. It got worse when I started having digestion problems, mental lapses, blurred vision, feelings of just wanting to stay in bed and the worst part of all is the feeling of wanting to hurt someone physically which at times came very close. But there was hope because even if stress cannot be totally eradicated it can be reduced. Thus I found coping mechanisms to reduce stress without the bad stuff like smoking, drinking or any form of profanity.

Art

This is my saving grace form the beginning. Being artistic it comes naturally. To be creative and to express it through painting, sculpture or photography releases the tensions in my mind body and spirit. There other forms of art that you can do to alleviate stress like writing or singing.

Pets

Cuddling my pet beagles brings down my blood pressure and helps keep me calm despite the day to day stressful situations.

Church

Saint Mary's Church, Mount Sagada Philippines

My Christian faith keeps my spirit nurtured and helps me stay grounded knowing that God is the creator and I am just another creation. My faith reminds me again and again not to worry to much because God will always be in control no matter what happens. It's important to always remember that a creation can never out do the Creator.

Exercise

Photo courtesy of Gold's Gym

I swim, lift weights, hike and do cardio exercises. Staying in shape keeps me healthy and takes away a lot of stress. I also have to buckle up my belt real tight or my pants will fall not like before when I could barely zip my pants.

Taking time off

Whether it's for a few minutes, a few hours, a day or two, a week, month or even a year. To prevent getting burned out you need that to take time off. Like a boxer that rests after taking a round of punches we should do the same. It's proven that people who do not take time off from work either quit or get sick. So go ahead, go to your favorite coffeehouse, shopping mall, go watch a movie, go to some far away destination or just stay at home. What ever suites you best.

Family and friends

It's a fact humans need each other in order to survive, therefore you need others who can rely on at the same they can rely on you and that is what family and friends are for.

I must admit the stress I feel never goes away but I don't let it control me. Learning how to cope with stress makes it easier not just for me but for others as well. If I did not learn how to cope with stress I would either be in the hospital, in jail or six feet under. Stress is not the end it's only a part of our lives that we deal with it even on a day to day basis. If necessary consult a doctor for medication, talk to a psychiatrist for a mental assessment or seek counseling. Don't reach for that pack of cigarettes, don't touch that bottle of liquor, stay away from illegal drugs, avoid any form of profanity and most of all keep that finger away from the trigger. Be optimistic and live life to the fullest