Rest & Relaxation

        Despite the excitement and joy of these normal life events, they are all included on a Life Stressor Chart, a tool commonly used to determine stress levels. Even vacation and other changes in recreational habits can contribute to stress!

        Perhaps it's the way we respond to these happy life events that produces the stress. According to Richard Carlson in his famous book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's alt small stuff, "Fearful, frantic thinking takes an enormous amount of energy." And "so many people spend so much of their life energy sweating the small stuff that they completely lose touch with the magic and beauty of life."

        There are certainly physical and psychological signs and symptoms of stress, as well as behavioral changes. Some folks experience elevated blood pressure, headaches, digestive problems, mood swings, and depression, to name a few. Stressed folks can also be more likely to have problems with temper, road rage, forgetfulness, rudeness, and personal relationships.

        There's nothing quite like the words of the famous Serenity Prayer to help us de-stress:

        "Lord, help us to change the things that can be changed, accept those that cannot, and have the wisdom to know the difference."

        We can indeed help ourselves by taking better control of our lives and schedule, by learning to say NO, by avoiding the temptation to overindulge ourselves and our children, and of course by slowing our pace. We also will feel better if we learn to truly accept those situations in our lives over which we have no control, and to channel our responses in a more positive direction. Some helpful responses include:

        Adequate rest, exercise, good nutrition, sufficient fluid/water especially during warm weather.

        Yoga, relaxation techniques, and deep breathing (try taking slow deep breaths for one minute each hour, as frequently as you can throughout the day, and certainly at times when feeling particularly stressed or upset).

        Simplify weddings, parties, celebrations, and even vacations. Emphasize people before things, and relationships rather than extravagance. Focus on what really matters in life, on the significant rather than the superficial.

        Take time during the nice weather to enjoy the outdoors, and to sense the spiritual in the beauty of the creation. Feel God's presence in your life as you experience transition!