We all need stress to survive. Stress activates our body’s nervous system’s responses so we can optimally respond to danger and survive. You may have heard it called “Fight or Flight” response. If we see a bear coming after us, our body goes through changes so we can run away from it, like our blood will redirect away from digestion and go towards our limbs so we can RUN. Our body changes upon the appearance of a threat. Cortisol and adrenaline levels (stress hormones) can surge with stress, and later this can impact our sleep, mood, performance, and brain fog.
The occasional stressful situation is fine; but what happens when we are CONSTANTLY under stress due to unforeseen crisis? Maintaining optimal health in the midst of a long stressful situation will require a mindful response. While we don’t have control over all situational events, we DO have control over how we respond. Being in chronic stress impairs overall health, but there are techniques that can help us counter chronic stress.
By understanding our natural personalities and “doshas” (nature), we can identify our “stress type”. One we establish our stress type, we can determine which strategy (nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, social support, etc.) or combinations will help us tackle our stress pressure.
Stress Response Types & Best Relief Techniques
- Wired & Tired: Life is so hectic we forget to take care of ourselves. We burn out easily. Sleep is difficult, and it’s hard to calm down.
- Grab that oxygen mask and put it on ourselves first. The better our shape, the better our responses. We can try a yogic breathing exercise (pranayama) several times/week to get rich oxygen deep into our tissues and organs so we can tackle each day better.
- Woe Is Me: Sleep is difficult, our minds won’t shut off because we are worried about everything. Our muscles are tight. We are frequently angry.
- Documenting the list of worry- or anxiety-creating situations allows our minds to stop obsessing about the troubles.
- Some mindful activities such as quiet time/meditation allows a connection between our conscious and subconscious selves so we can evaluate the best ways to tackle our troubles.
- Exercise helps channel our anxiety in a productive place.
- The heat is on: Stress is on-going. It’s hard to cope with life. We are tired and have nothing left to give.
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- Grab that oxygen mask and put it on ourselves first. The better our shape, the better our responses. We can try a yogic breathing exercise (pranayama) several times/week to get rich oxygen deep into our tissues and organs so we can tackle each day better.
- Some mindful activities such as quiet time/meditation allows a connection between our conscious and subconscious selves so we can evaluate the best ways to tackle our troubles.
- Minimize sugar-laden foods
- Mentally exhausted: Stress is on-going. Our mental capacities are stretched too thin, so it’s hard to think clearly.
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- Grab that oxygen mask and put it on ourselves first. The better our shape, the better our responses. We can try a yogic breathing exercise (pranayama) several times/week to get rich oxygen deep into our tissues and organs so we can tackle each day better.
- Minimize sugar-laden foods.
- Tired: Stress is on-going. Our physical energy is exhausted. We’ve started gaining weight. We don’t look or feel well. We feel weak and tired.
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- Grab that oxygen mask and put it on ourselves first. The better our shape, the better our responses. We can try a yogic breathing exercise (pranayama) several times/week to get rich oxygen deep into our tissues and organs so we can tackle each day better.
- Taking short walks in nature, absorbing some vitamin D along the way, will help nourish our mind and body enabling us to tackle the source of stress better.
- Social breaks will help our brains better handle the root cause of stress.
Finding relief from your constant stress depends upon the best strategy for your stress type. Usually it’s a combined effort of lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, meditation, pranayam, etc.) along with the awareness of what’s happening inside your body. If you suffer from chronic stress issues, reach out to your healthcare practitioner or your health coach and brainstorm the different ways to address the changes within your body. Be empowered with information that will help maintain your optimal health.
