Stress and Distress

“Hold, hold on, hold onto me
‘Cause I’m a little unsteady
A little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me
‘Cause I’m a little unsteady
A little unsteady”

Stress is a natural part of life. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as work, relationships, and finances. When we feel stressed, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can have a negative impact on our health, both physically and mentally. However, stress can also be a good thing. When we are faced with a challenge, stress can motivate us to overcome it. It can also help us to focus and perform at our best. The key is to manage stress in a healthy way. There are many things we can do to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones. When we manage stress in a healthy way, it can actually be beneficial to our health.

It’s not the stress, but how you handle and perceive it that is key. Stress can be a good thing when shared in a positive way with others. That’s what we live for, in a way. Oxytocin, the hug chemical. When we hug someone, our bodies release oxytocin, which has a calming effect. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety. So, next time you’re feeling stressed, reach out to a friend or loved one for a hug. It may just make you feel better.

How you view stress is very important! It wasn’t really the stress itself, it was how stress was viewed. People died early, not from the stress, but from the view that stress is bad for you. When you change your mind about stress you can change your body’s response to it. Think about your situation – you are what you think: your job, your family, your responsibilities. Physical stress responses can change: typically heart rate goes up and your blood vessels constrict. It is not good to be stressed all the time like this. The way that you interpret information has a powerful impact on how you handle stress. Just changing the phrase “I have to” to “I get to” can help. The more positive thinking you do, the better it is for your heart – good heart cells are produced from positive thoughts. Everything is a result of how you reacted to things, not simply a result of what has happened to you. You want to be in a present and empowered position. Train your thoughts to be positive and hopeful – you can learn to change your thoughts and be hopeful. One way to do this is to simply tell someone how you feel. You have to be mindful of the fact that you create your own reality. Self-awareness and self-esteem can change your mindset. Awareness puts you in the driver’s seat – recognize things within yourself. Mindfulness allows us to focus on the present moment.