News Articles for Spiritual Health and Well-Being

Dr. Connie writes a weekly question/answer column for the Sanibel Island Sun. Got a problem? Write Dr. Connie at connie@drconstance.com and check here to see her response.

Newsletter

Welcome to this busy, hectic, hurried overstressed majority! It seems as though now days we seem to be running around so busy that we forget to breathe. Our society puts busy equal to high status and success that can be referred to as the hurry up sickness. It's as if we choose down time or relaxation, we've committed a sin. Stress is as American as Starbucks. It doesn't matter if you are raising kids or cats none of us are immune to stress. The good news is that we have the ability to cope and handle the stressors given to us before it turns into dis-stress. The key to stress is how we preceive it. 80% of physicians visits are stress related. There are two emotions that are responsible for stress: 1. anger 2. fear A lot of folks are walking around angry. We not only have road rage, but air rage and surf rage! Yes, surf rage. Have we made anger a form of entertainment?

Stress affects us on many levels: 1. physical-the wear and tear on the body 2. emotional-feeling that things are out of our control 3. mental-the inability to cope with problems 4. spiritual-an absence of inner peace When we feel it on one level, it can manifest into other levels. Stress is a threat to our very existence. Our bodies go through a series of events: our central nervous system sends messages throughout our bodies to "prepare us for action." Our body does not know whether we are preparing to soothe a screaming baby or to avoid being hit head on by a mack truck! Our adrenals produce adrenaline or noradrenaline, a powerful combination that increases our heart rate, blood pressure, and sends extra gluecose throughout our bloodstream to prepare us for "flight or fight." Of course this goes back to our ancestors when the caveman fought the saber-toothed tiger. We all have our 21st century tigers; traffic, taxes, techno stress, delays, and balancing career and family. So how do we manage in this hectic pace?

Two things I believe are vital to our health and well-being:

1. Learn to use laughter and humor daily-it truly does relax the abdomen and helps in healing any distress. 2. Meditate, meditate, meditate! Take a few moments to clear the clutter and relax. By letting go of past and worrying about the future, you are focusing mindfully on the present. All we have is today, right here, right now.

Some other suggestions for managing stress: -take a brisk walk daily or do some form of exercise. -surround yourself with nature. -watch the sunrise or sunset. -turn off electronics. -take care of your financial health. -volunteer, it feels good to give. -journal, it is very cathartic. -spend some time in solitude, get connected with yourself. -practice self-care. It is essential for those close to you and your own sanity.