It's Best To Not Stress

I am looking forward to a stress free (negative stress) weekend!  I have had so much negative stress lately, that I need a break from it very much!  As you know it is not good for someone who is suffering from autoimmune disease to have any stress.  So, with that said, I am hoping for a (negative stress) free weekend.  

I know that with having health issues it's not easy to always be stress free. You have this gnawing feeling of uneasiness dealing with not being healthy anyway, right?  Even worse if your family doesn't understand it, that can be very stressful.  

You have to do what is right for you, and your body. Do whatever you have to do for your health and well being.  It is not the easiest thing to do, but it's worth it to your health.  

Chronic stress has been blamed for a variety of health issues from heart disease, cancer, and obesity.  Autoimmune disease has been studied for its relationship to chronic stress.  It's been shown to influence a number of human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, multiple sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, Hashimoto's, even asthma and dermatitis.

If you are suffering from an autoimmune disease, you already know that it's a vicious cycle.  

Major events in life are sure stressors.  Pinpointing the sources of everyday stress can be difficult.  To identify your true source of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses:  Do you explain away stress as temporary? Like "I just have a million things going on right now."  Or "things are crazy around here lately."  Do you blame your stress on other people or view it as normal? 

Keep A Stress Journal

A stress journal can help you identify the regular stressors in your life and the way you deal with them.  Each time you feel stressed, keep track of it in your journal.  As you keep a daily log, you will begin to see patterns and common themes.  Write down: 

What causes you stress (guess if you're unsure)

How you felt, physically and emotionally

How you acted in response

What you did to make yourself feel better

Get Moving

Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress.  You don't have to spend hours in the gym to get benefits.  Just about any form of physical activity can help relieve stress and burn away anger, tension, and frustration.  Exercise releases endorphins which boost your mood and make you feel good and it is a great distraction of your daily worries.

Maximum benefit comes from exercising for 30 minutes or more, you can start small and build up your fitness level gradually.  Take short 10 min. bursts of activity at first if need be.  The first step is to get yourself moving.  You'll have more energy and a much better outlook.   I have several programs that would help.

Engage Socially

Social engagement is the quickest, most efficient way to stop stress. It helps communicating with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood.

Reach out to family and friends and connect regularly in person. The people you talk to don’t have to be able to "fix" your stress; they just need to be good listeners. Opening up is not a sign of weakness and it won’t make you a burden to others. In fact, most friends will be flattered that you trust them enough to confide in them, and it will only strengthen your bond. And remember, it’s never too late to make new friendships and improve your support network.

Avoid Unnecessary Stress

Stress is an automatic response from your nervous system, some stressors arise at predictable times, getting to work, a meeting with your boss, family gatherings, for example. 

When handling these routine stressors, you can either change the situation or change your reaction. When deciding which option to choose in any given scenario, it’s helpful to think of the four A's: Avoid, Alter, Adapt, or Accept.

However, it's not healthy to avoid a stressful situation that needs to be addressed, but you may be surprised by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate.

Learn how to say "no"  to taking on too much.

Avoid people who stress you out!  If someone continually causes you stress, limit the amount of time you are around them or end the relationship.

Take control of your environment.  If the evening news stresses you, turn it off.  Take the long way home, if it's traffic. 

Alter The Situation

If you can't avoid a stressful situation, try to alter it.  You may have to alter the way you communicating and function in your daily life.

Don't bottle your feelings, instead express them. 

If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, try to alter it.  If you don't voice your feelings, resentment will build and the stress will increase.

Be willing to compromise. 

Manage your time better.  Poor time management can cause a lot of stress.  Plan ahead, and don't overextend yourself.

Avoid The Negative Thinking

How you think can have a huge effect on your stress levels.  Each time you think a negative thought about yourself, your body reacts as if it was really happening. 

Think positive!  Don't fume in the traffic jam, instead listen to your favorite radio station and enjoy some alone time.

Ask yourself how important it will be in the long run.  Will it still be important a year from now?

Adjust your standards.  Perfectionism is a major source of avoidable stress.  Stop setting yourself up for failure by demanding perfection.

Except What You Can't Change

You can avoid many sources of stress.  You can't prevent or change some things that cause stress, such as the illness.  So the best thing would be to accept it, which is very difficult to do.  In the long run its best to do so, because you can't change it.

It's stressing to try and control the uncontrollable.  Instead focus on the things you can change.  Look for opportunities for personal growth, learn from your mistakes.

Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes.  Let go of anger and resentments.  Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on.

Have Fun and Relax

Take charge and have a positive attitude.  Make time for yourself, have fun and make time for relaxation, you'll be in a much better place to handle life's stressors.  Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.

Make time everyday for "Me" time.  Do something you enjoy every day.  Laugh daily. 

Healthy Lifestyle

Eat clean, avoid chemically processed foods. Follow Paleo, AIP, Clean eating lifestyle.  Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat.  Start your day with breakfast, and follow with balanced, nutritious meals throughout your day.  Reduce caffeine and avoid sugar.  Avoid alcohol and get enough sleep.  If you feel tired it will increase your stress.

Here is to us growing, and learning to deal with stress in a healthy way.  

I would like to hear from you.  How does stress play a role in your health?  What helps you in dealing with stress?