April is stress awareness month.  Stress is the number one cause of premature death.  There are many things that can cause stress.  How we deal with stress will determine how the stress impacts our health and life.  In the last few weeks, due to the Coronavirus, most of our stress levels may have increased due to anxiety produced by either losing jobs, losing income, homeschooling, cancellation of planned events, scarcity of resources, restrictions related to social distancing and staying at home, as well as from the uncertainty of how long this pandemic will last.  We hear some say this is a war, and we hear some say that this pandemic is a hoax.  While others say, we shouldn’t fear the virus if we believe in God.  No matter what “they” say, at times like these it can be difficult to not be concerned, especially when people are dying. 

Nevertheless, our focus this month is on de-stressing, so let’s shift gears in effort to release mental and physical tension.  To do so, we have to learn how to unwind.  When we are stressed our bodies produces a hormone called Cortisol, which then produces a fight or flight response that causes our heart to beat faster.  If our heart is constantly beating faster, it could lead to a stroke, hypertension, headaches, depression, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, heart attack or death.  To relieve the stress, we can practice relaxation techniques that can help to decrease our blood pressure. Below are some helpful de-stressing techniques that you can try to help overcome the heightened anxiety and stress brought on by this pandemic.

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-Try deep breathing exercises (inhale through your noise to the count of 10 and exhale through your mouth to the count of 10, at least 5 times and repeat as needed), which evokes a parasympathetic reaction that causes us to be calmer. 
 

-Walking also helps to reduce stress hormones, so take a short stroll in the park on a nice day. 

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-You can also close your eyes in a quiet place and visualize that you are in your most favorite relaxing place.  This will also help you become calm. 

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-Although, some nutritionist might advise against this, but eating your favorite snack can also help reduce stress (just do not overindulge).  This is what some refer to as the “gut-brain-axis.”  Particularly, eat something sweet, if it is within your dietary restrictions.  If you cannot have sweets and bananas or potatoes are within your diet restrictions, they are good for de-stressing as well.  The potassium helps to regulate blood pressure. 

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-Kissing relieves stress, because it helps your brain release endorphins.

 

-Music that you love to listen to will also reduce stress and anxiety.  Classical music has a soothing effect that slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure; even singing helps to reduce stress.

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-Taking a break from the stressors can also help as well.  Avoiding the things that are triggers that causes you stress is extremely important to your mental and heart health.  Often times, this may require you to turn off the television or your cell phone for a few minutes and avoid talking to people who bait you into arguments or stressful situations.  Remember, misery loves company, do not join in unless you want to be miserable too. 

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-Exercise and Yoga are known to be stress relievers as well.

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-Do not be anxious about situations that you cannot control.

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-Watch a motivational video that helps you to relax or laugh. 

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-Get a full body muscle massage.

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-Some also say that good, healthy sex in a committed relationship can also help to reduce stress.

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Keep in mind that the suggestions listed above can be temporary fixes to de-stress.  So, if none of the techniques above work for you, seeking professional help to discuss your stressors and how to best deal with them is critical to your health and well-being as well.

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By Lynnette Clement

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