March 9th, 2021
I am going to go out on a limb and assume that everyone deals with stress, especially in today’s crazy world. From adjusted work schedules and working at home to having to remember your mask, maintaining social distance and meeting family over video feed instead of in person, this past year has given us higher than normal stress levels. What differences have you noticed in your mind and body that points to higher stress level? Headaches, weight gain, depression, and lethargy can all be signs that you need to re-evaluate your stress level and implement new coping methods.
According to Dr Sears’ book, Prime-Time Health, the body needs balance. He mentions an interesting fact about stress hormones: we need the right levels circulating in our bodies. If we have too little, our bodies can become weak and slow, whereas, if we have too much, we can become sick and fat.
What! The fact that we need stress in our lives to be healthy is also comforting to me as I find the goal of being stress free as unattainable. We do not need to eliminate stress completely, just keep it at a manageable level! You are probably saying that is great Lacey, but how? I am so glad you asked! First, I am going to ask you if you can recognize your source of stress. Next, I am going to ask if you are ready to put in the work to change it. If your answers to either of these questions are no, then you need to spend time in self-reflection and learning to listen to your body as well as finding your “why” for the change. If your answers are yes and you are serious about changing your life, I suggest signing up for one or both of my free courses and/or personal health coaching.
You may be thinking that since stress is a part of everyone’s life, is there a reason or reasons to gain control of it and manage it? Yes! There are several. I could list many reasons that stress is not good for you, but the only one that matters is the one that will end up being your why. You can google the effects of stress or ask me or order Dr Sears book, “Prime-Time Health.”
Wow! I have given you a lot of information and asked several questions. I will let you think about this and answer any questions you may have in the meantime. I am in the process of developing a class that dives deeper into all things stress. The reason I started this blog was to highlight self-care and its importance. Stress has been a huge obstacle in my life and learning to deal with it is a continuous process that I am still navigating my way through.
I can’t wait to hear from you about your self-care journey and your understanding of stress and its effects on your life. I also can’t wait to hear how you overcome stress and use it to your benefit. I look forward to meeting you back here next Tuesday! Have a blessed week filled with sunshine and spring-like temperatures.
~ Lacey