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With clients and in my own life, I’ve seen how stress impacts our lives in countless ways. For example, did you know that anywhere from 60 to 90 percent of all doctor visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints? It’s a staggering statistic, and yet many of us don’t realize how stress manifests in our bodies.
Some people experience stress in their stomachs, others develop high blood pressure or diabetes, and some suffer from skin rashes or chronic headaches. The impact of stress can range from poor sleep quality to serious heart problems.
It’s crucial to identify your personal “pain points” when it comes to stress. What areas of your life are being affected? Is it impacting your physical health, emotional well-being, or both? Stress can come from various sources—from planning a wedding to dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster, or even just trying to get to appointments on time.
The key is to catch these stress symptoms early before they develop into more significant problems. This starts with paying attention, being aware, and observing ourselves. We need to be in touch with what’s going on in our bodies, looking at both what’s well and what’s unwell.
Everyone has a different prescription for dealing with stress. For some, it might be listening to relaxation music, while others might benefit from a massage. I encourage you to seek out what is truly relaxing for you. Personally, I find that while I enjoy a pedicure, fitting it into my schedule can sometimes create more stress than it relieves.
One universally helpful tool for managing stress is journaling. There are many types of journaling, and I often teach therapeutic journaling classes to help people find what works best for them. One method I frequently use involves writing “breathe” at the top of a page, taking a breath, and then quickly jotting down three feeling words that describe your current emotional state. Follow this with a full page of stream-of-consciousness writing, and finish by writing three more feeling words. This simple exercise can provide instant relief and help uncover underlying issues contributing to your stress.
I’ve found that this journaling method can be particularly helpful in uncovering the thoughts behind our stress. Often, stress starts with our thoughts, so getting them out on paper can provide a sense of freedom. It’s a basic but powerful tool, and it’s my favorite go-to method.
Journaling offers a safe space to vent when you might not feel comfortable doing so with another person. It’s important to remember that there’s no requirement to save your journaling or read it later—the act of writing and getting your thoughts out is what matters most.
By incorporating tools like journaling into your routine, you may find that over time, you’re able to reduce the physical and emotional toll of stress. Remember, stress can come from both positive and negative experiences, and these techniques can be helpful in managing all types of stress.
As we navigate the challenges of daily life, it’s essential to find our own ways to alleviate stress. Whether it’s through journaling, grounding movement, or other relaxation techniques, taking steps to manage our stress can lead to improved overall well-being.
By paying attention to our bodies and minds, and using tools like journaling, we can work towards a more balanced life—one where we are adept at handling stress before it becomes chronic. We want to be able to almost befriend stress, as sometimes it is friendly, so it doesn’t build up and impact us physiologically. Stress doesn’t have to be a constant companion.