Does it seem like every single thing that you encounter in life is stressful? It seems that way to me sometimes.
COVID-19
We’re on the downside of over TWO YEARS where a virus was in our thoughts front and center in some manner every single day. People can say they weren’t scared, but even if that’s true, there’s no way to deny it’s been a stressful time. Even if you didn’t fear getting sick yourself, surely you were anxious that you’d loose a loved one to COVID. And if you swear that you weren’t afraid of that, there’s no way the restrictions and vaccines didn’t cause you stress… no matter if you were for or against masks and vaccines.
war and our government
Crazy high gas prices are looming, Russia is bombing nuclear power plants in Ukraine, and higher prices on everything we want and need are guaranteed to follow the sanctions that have been set in place on Russia. The Kremlin says the West is behaving like bandits and their agreement to stop shelling so Mariupol innocents could evacuate was just abandoned. If that’s not enough, ole’ Putin says sanctions are akin to declaration of war. 😕
All these things are alarming.
even the things we CAN CONTROL can be scary
Thinking about selling my home and where to go afterward is scary. Making a decision that will impact my life and the lives of others can’t be taken lightly, right? I have dogs to consider, after all. And the peskies, of course. Even people that find their own feet fascinating can’t be overlooked. 😉
And stupid stuff can make you anxious too. Like… I’ve been married to Apple since my very first LCII over three decades ago. Yesterday, I gave up my Apple watch for a Samsung one and I worry I made the right decision.
managing stress
All that and I’m pretty sure I’m as grounded as the next guy. I don’t use drugs or alcohol and take pretty good care of myself other than a few unhealthy habits (including eating too much of the wrong stuff and consuming caffeine like it’s my job). I limit my exposure to news and social media and take breaks to unwind. I manage my work time and do something I enjoy daily.
Sometimes I even prepare foods no one else around here will touch just because I like them…
and life goes on until you’re dead
Experts say the best way to manage stress when everything seems scary is to: (a) exercise to reduce endorphins in the system, (b) practice mindfulness, (c) be or become organized, and (d) write a reflection journal (sort of like I do here on whatifitdid.com).
So… how to you manage stress?
They Mayo Clinic offers four steps to help people cope with the inevitable stressors of everyday life.
The 4 A’s of stress relief are:
- Avoid.
- Alter.
- Accept.
- Adapt.
Here’s to destressing your days and enjoying the great things in life!
TIL (Today I Learned): The way the sun “gives” people vitamin D is by converting cholesterol in the skin to vitamin D.