alive Editorial
Are you drowning in oceans of to-do lists, frustrating interruptions, and low energy? Look no further. Research shows that creative activities—like spiralling inward, digging a little dirt, and cutting bait—can relieve stress, increase feelings of happiness, and boost your immune system.
Are you feeling a familiar tension around your shoulders? Finding it hard to concentrate on one thing for long? Not sleeping well? Biting your nails to the quick? These might all be signs that you’re under stress. And, if you are, it only makes sense to understand and learn how to manage stress—both short- and long-term stress—before it manages you.
Everyone experiences stress differently. If you learn how to recognize when your stress level is too high or lasting too long, you might be more likely to administer yourself some TLC.
One way to increase your self-awareness is to ask, “On a scale from one to 10, where is my stress level?” A number between one and five is a manageable amount of stress, because you can still function well and feel good. Anything above that is too much stress if it’s sustained for long periods.
If you know yourself and what causes you stress, you’ll be well armed to reduce the symptoms, because you can develop strategies to manage them.
Try making a list of the situations, concerns, or challenges that trigger your stress response—either positive or negative. Some of these might be external (a promotion at work or an impossible workload) and some might be internal (uncertainty or fear of flying).
Here are some more unique ways to find some relaxation in your stress-filled life.
Start by cupping your neck in your hands, letting your fingers gently touch and knead the soft tissue along your cervical spine.
Using gently increasing pressure, squeeze and release in milking fashion from the tops of your trapezius muscle to the base of your skull.
Since a lack of serotonin is connected to depression, scientists hypothesize that this bacterium may improve mood, ease stress, and maintain a strong immune system. Landscaping, sowing seeds, and nurturing flowers or homegrown veggies are creative ways to unwind and improve your mood.
Creative activity increases serotonin in your brain, which improves mood. When you’re not attached to the end result (like a perfect replica of David), arts and crafts can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and trigger feelings of calm and peace.
You can buy already-painted, fold-up canvas labyrinths in many sizes. Or you can paint your own. Finger labyrinths on paper or computer screens can have the same effect as full-size labyrinths.
To declutter, evaluate your space and eliminate what doesn’t bring pleasure. Donate clothing, decorations, or household items to charity. Rework your space until you feel happy and relaxed.
Better yet, turn off the technology and head for the park or another natural space to give your brain a chance to reconnect with more basic stimulations. Recent research suggests that the positive effects (feeling happier and in good spirits) of a single exposure to nature can last for seven hours after an individual has experienced it.
This is where the “fish or cut bait” advice comes in: deal with the cause of your stress or eliminate it altogether. But don’t get caught up in finding the perfect solution to your problems. Simply moving forward puts the ball in motion, leading to more action, which, hopefully, will ultimately solve the problem.
If chilling out involves dreaming about warm tropical breezes while snuggled in your favourite comfy chair in front of a warm crackling fireplace, dream on!
Other physical symptoms of stress—which may be causing those trips to the doctor’s office—include chest pain, loss of sexual desire or ability, ringing in the ear, sweaty hands and feet, dry mouth, jaw clenching, grinding teeth, difficulty swallowing, shallow breathing, and low energy.
Botanical medicines categorized as adaptogens have been shown to improve the body’s response to and recovery from stress.
Siberian ginseng
Evidence points to its ability to help the body accommodate adverse physical conditions and improve mental performance.
Ashwagandha
In tests on animals, it has been shown to counteract changes in blood sugar levels and improve depressive behaviour associated with extreme stress.
Rhodiola rosea
It has shown an ability to protect the heart from arrhythmias and other damage caused by elevated stress hormones and has also shown improvements in sleep disturbances, fatigue, and general well-being.
Men’s health across the life course
Theodore D. Cosco, PhD (Cantab) CPsychol