Stress. We hear the word every day. We see it on the faces of friends, family and strangers. We often feel it in the air. Stress can be a powerful friend; but is a powerful foe if out of balance. When we are “out of control”, the stress is controlling us … calling the shots. We are just trying to keep up and put out the fires. This can manifest either emotionally or physically, and it makes it difficult to even think spiritually. So, it is time to see how it can work for you and against you.

Stress is a physiological/endocrine response that allows you to save yourself in times of perceived danger (stressor). The ‘fight or flight’ response. It is supposed to last only a few moments and then the body gets back into regular balance once the stressor is gone. If you feel or have constant stressors (things that stress you out like finances, health, family, domestic violence, substance abuse, reminders of uncontrollable threats) then this system response does not shut off, and begins to create problems or dis-ease on a mind, body and spiritual level.

In the meantime, one thing I have observed is when a person feels more “in control”, their stress responses can change for the better even in the same situations. Those who have the tools to change their lives, even in small ways, can decrease the negative responses to stress. In addition, people who feel useful and affect positive change in others also decrease the negative impact stress has on their own lives. Fix something in the house you have been meaning to fix. Write a nice card to someone. Volunteer. Read a book you have wanted to read. Change your furniture around. You may be surprised how simple acts like these can have a positive effect on you.



Stress is such a big topic, that I will cover different aspects over the next few weeks in this blog which will cover symptoms, age responses, and some ideas to modify that stress.