How to Survive These Stressful Times Healthfully
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By Jeffrey Gero, Ph.D.
TODAY’S STRESSORS
Almost everyone’s anxiety level is elevated because of these stressful times, which affect most aspects of our daily life. Many of us are worried about what’s going to happen to us. As many as 80 percent of Americans are stressed about their personal finances and the economy, according to the American Psychological Association’s annual survey.
To add insult to injury, we have "road rage," "desk rage," "gone postal," and something called techno-stress, which is the incessant intensification and infusion of new information. More than 80% of the world’s technological inventions have occurred since 1900.There was more information produced in the 30 years from 1965-1995 than was produced in the entire 5,000-year period from 300 BC to 1965. We have experienced more change in the past 20 years than the world encountered in the previous 2,000 years. Never before have our lives changed so rapidly.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS?
Daily stress builds up like the steam in a pressure cooker. It needs to be released consistently to prevent mental and physical health problems. Symptoms of prolonged stress may include:
lack of patience
anger
sadness
fatigue
depression
heightened emotions
withdrawal
sleep problems
lack of focus
poor decision-making
physical pain
feeling overwhelmed
eating unhealthy foods
memory problems
Whenever we experience increased stress in our life, we have to compensate for it by doing more things to release the stress and trying to avoid stressful conversations and situations.
The practice of meditation, a relaxation technique, has been well documented by the scientific community to lower cholesterol, pain, blood pressure, anxiety, and tension. It also increases melatonin, which improves the quality of sleep. Other studies have clinically shown that meditation can enhance the health status of individuals with psoriasis, allergies. asthma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraines, diabetes, cancer and panic attacks.
There is no quick fix, but with a strong desire to change, commitment, and by taking action, you can successfully make the necessary changes to survive these times healthfully.
HERE IS MY 10-STEP PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTHY SURVIVAL
1. Exercise
2. Increase periods of relaxation (take 20 deep breaths a day)
3. Don’t fixate on worry, anger, guilt and fear of the future
4. Remember that you are in control (be proactive, not reactive)
5. Develop coping strategies for your stress
6. Be extra good to yourself and get sufficient rest
7. Express your concerns to friends and family and then let it go
8. Lighten up, bring more fun and joy into your life
9. Become more flexible in order to ride the waves of change
10. Practice visualizing yourself already having these qualities
Accomplishing these 10 steps takes a strong intention and scheduling some of them into your daily routine. It will also help to connect every day with your spiritual preference. If none of this works for you, or if you can’t find the time, simply smile.
It will send a message to the brain that all is well.
One last thing you may ask yourself is, "What can I learn about myself from my reactions and behaviors?" Awareness and taking responsibility are important steps to make the thinking and attitude changes to help you survive these stressful times.
Jeffrey Gero, Ph.D. is a pioneer in the field of stress management and is the creator of the Success Over Stress System. He helped JPL (NASA) deal with the failure of the Mars Project and has assisted paramedics in the California State Firefighters Association with job stress. Several years ago Jeff was granted a United States patent for a computer biofeedback mouse that helps reduce stress while enhancing productivity. Dr. Gero can be reached at 818 879-1373 or www.jeffgero.com
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