Managing and Coping with Stress

Previous blogs included both an internal and external stress index.  Today’s blog has to do with symptoms or signals of stress and the possible effects of chronic stress.   As we know, it seems impossible to live in a stress-free environment. Competing in the Way Too Cool 50 K. is an example.   Do a self-evaluation and see if any of the following pertain to you: 1. Headaches 2.  Intestinal problems-diarrhea or constipation 3.  Muscle tension, back pain and other types of pain; clenched teeth 4.  Restlessness, irritability, frustration, moodiness, anger 5.  Difficulty making decisions, forgetfulness   6.  Eating problems-loss of appetite 7.  Sleeping problems-trouble falling asleep, waking up early, being unable to fall sleep again; over sleeping, sleeping too much; disturbing dreams 8.  Stomach distress, ulcers, knot or butterflies in stomach 9.  High blood pressure   10.  Chronic fatigue 11.  Decreased zest for life, worry, fear, depression, anxiety 12.  Increased use of alcohol, cigarettes or drugs 13.  Disease flares.

Hopefully, your self-evaluation turned out positive, and you are not experiencing any of the above difficulties.  However, if you are experiencing issues with stress the following might be helpful in managing your stress: 1. Make up your own stress diary to identify what causes you stress.  Include the following: the date, cause of stress, time or occurrence, physical symptoms, emotional symptoms    2.  Change what you can to reduce your stress by: a. Set goals-develop a plan for achieving goals, one that includes hobbies and friends and that delegates responsibilities -be flexible about the time your goal will take to achieve b. list priorities-what needs to be done immediately?   What can be done later?   What can be eliminated?  C.  Take time to do things you enjoy d.  Acknowledge major life events as stress sources-even positive events can be stressful e.  Learn to say no, and lose the guilt 3.  Think win/win when resolving conflicts; seek solutions that will benefit both sides 4.  Manage   or accept what you cannot change 5.  Think positively 6.  Develop new support systems 7.  Adapt a lifestyle that reduces stress.

These ideas were presented by the Institute for Natural Resources.  If you are having difficulty managing the stress in your life, see what you can do on your own.  If that does not work, consider other options, like a professional.

Looking out my window, the rain continues to pour.  Translated, this means that the trails are wet and sloppy (stress).  As a result, I am going to wear rain resistant clothing.  I know that running for me is one way that I reduce the “overall” stress in my life. I am going to put up with the wet and cold. Giving in is easy, but like the Nike commercial” just do it.”