“…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 Learning to cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.  What does stress mean to you?

We all experience stress – yet we may experience it in very different ways. Because of this, there is no single definition for stress, but the most common explanation is a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.  Stress is a reaction to a situation where a person feels anxious or threatened. Learning healthy ways to cope and getting the proper care and support can help reduce stressful feelings and symptoms.  Hans Selye coined the word eustress to describe the normal physiological stress of living.  On the opposite side is distress or that which causes us anxiety.  

Common reactions to a stressful event can include:  disbelief, shock and numbness; feeling sad, frustrated and helpless; difficulty concentrating and making decisions; headaches, back pains and stomach problems; or smoking or the use of alcohol or drugs.  Stress affects more than just your mind.

Long-term stress can prove to be more than just a mental issue. From headaches to stomach disorders to depression – even very serious issues like stroke and heart disease can come as a result of stress.  When you are placed in a stressful situation, specific stress hormones rush into your bloodstream leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and glucose levels. This is helpful in emergency situations but having this “rush” for extended periods of time can be dangerous and make you susceptible to the issues mentioned previously.

To manage stress, we need to learn to overcome issues you cannot change.  Sometimes the stress in our lives is not something we have the power to change. Try to: recognize when you don’t have control, and let it go; avoid getting anxious about situations that you cannot change; take control of your reactions and focus your mind on something that makes you feel calm and in control;  and develop a vision for healthy living, wellness, and personal growth, and set realistic goals to help you realize your vision.

Healthy ways for coping with your stress: take care of yourself – eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, give yourself a break if you feel stressed; share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a family member, friend, doctor, pastor, or counselor; avoid drugs and alcohol. These can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling; and recognize when you need more help – know when to talk to a psychologist, social worker, or counselor if things continue.

The secular methods all work but, we as Christians have a greater power, God.  We know that prayer, worship, and fellowship with fellow Christians can reduce stress. 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Carolyn D. Pauling PhD 

Parish Nurse