A message from Sandy. Many people don’t realize it, but stress is a very natural and important part of life. We need stress, but not to much stress for to long (which turns to distress.) Stress helps keep us alert, motivates us to face challenges, and drives us to solve problems. These low levels of stress are manageable.

Distress, on the other hand, results when our bodies overreact to events. It can lead to what is called a “fight or flight reaction. Such reactions may have been useful in times long ago when man was faced with life or death matters. Our bodies don’t really know the difference between a saber-tooth tiger attacking us or our boss correcting us in our work. HOW we perceive and interpret the events of life dictates how our bodies react.

When we view something as manageable, our body does not go haywire: it remains alert but not alarmed. The more we sense danger, the more our bodies react. If you have ever been asked unexpectedly to give and “off-the-cuff” speech and found that  your heart pounded loudly, and your mouth was completely dry–you were convinced you couldn’t do it–that would be– over-reacting.

Problems can occur if we over-react to daily hassles and the stress piles up, you may run into physical and well as psychological problems.Here are some techniques to care for yourself:

• RELAX: Throughout the day, take “mini-breaks.” Sit down and get comfortable. Slowly take in a deep breath: hold it: and exhale very slowly. Think of something positive——or at least try to find some humor in the situation that is stressing you out.
• PRACTICE ACCEPTANCE: Many of us get distressed over things we won’t allow ourselves to accept. Often these things cannot be changed, for examples someone else’s feelings or beliefs.
• TALK RATIONALLY TO YOURSELF: Ask yourself what real impact this situation will have on you in a day/week/or month and see if that helps put things in perspective. Think about whether this situation is really your problem or the other person’s. If it is yours–approach it calmly–if it is the other person’s there isn’t much you can do. Watch out for perfectionism–practice setting realistic and attainable goals. Remember–we all make mistakes. Be mindful of procrastination–break tasks into smaller manageable pieces to help get things done.
• GET ORGANIZED: Develop a realistic schedule of daily activities that includes time for work, sleep, relationships, and recreation. Use “to-do-lists,” use your time and energy efficiently.
• EXERCISE: Physical activity has always provided relief from stress. Now that physical exertion is no longer a requirement for most people to earn a living, we don’t get rid of the stress so easily and it accumulates quickly. Develop a plan to reduce stress before it becomes distress.
• REDUCE TIME URGENCY: If you frequently  check your watch–learn to take things a bit slower. Allow yourself plenty of time to get things done—practice “pace, not race.”
• DISARM YOURSELF: Every situation in life does not require you to be competitive. Adjust your approach to an event based on its demands. It is not necessary to raise your voice in a simple discussion——leave behind your weapons of shouting, blaming, putting someone else down, or having the last word.
• QUIET TIME: Balance  your family, social, and work demands with your own special private time. Unwind by taking a quiet stroll, soaking in a bubble bath, watching a sunset, or listening to calming music.
• WATCH YOUR HABITS: Eat sensibly–a balanced diet will provide all the energy you will need during the day. Be mindful of the effects of excessive caffeine and sugar on nervousness. Work on putting out the cigarettes—they restrict blood circulation and affect stress response.
• TALK TO FRIENDS: Friends can be good medicine. Daily doses of conversation, social engagements, and occasionally sharing of deep feelings can reduce stress quite nicely.

We could all use more practice approaching matters in more realistic and reasonable ways. Strong reactions are better reserved for serious situations.