Use Stress & Anxiety to Live Better

Stress and anxiety are very common complaints, both can wreck havoc on our lives and on our health.

These terms are used interchangeably but are actually different. Identifying which one is playing a role, getting to the root of it can help to manage or alleviate the symptoms and actually help you to live a better life.

Symptoms of stress and anxiety can look and feel the same:  Headaches, tense muscles, upset stomach, overwhelm, crying, fatigue, depression, nervousness, tension. 

What symptoms do you suffer?

Basically stress is a response to a situation or circumstances you perceive you do not have the resources such as time, money, knowledge and ability to deal with. It is feeling inadequate in some way to deal with the issue at hand. This is why we frequently say “I can’t handle this”.

Anxiety is often more sneaky. It can arise as a very physical feeling and many times we do not recognize what is causing it. Think of times you had the pit in your stomach, lump in your throat, jittery nervousness. Anxiety is related to our brains limbic system and can in some cases be part of a medical disorder. If you have been plagued with long bouts or even lifelong anxiety and fear a doctor is in order. Just like any other organ the brain has disorders that can require medical intervention. However, feeling mild to moderate anxiety on occasion can occur when we are not being true to ourselves and we are not in tune with what is out of synch.

 While most of us try to avoid feelings like these for good reasons, it does serve a purpose and can be of benefit. Rather than cover up these feelings or complain about them we can gain valuable insight and direction from them.

 When working correctly stress and anxiety function as our body’s alarm clock, a way to signal when we are off track, are overloaded and need to step back or realign ourselves. Learning to recognize, listen and respond enables us to work with our bodies and brains which immediately bring our stress level down and happiness level up. 

Simple steps to use stress and anxiety to actually improve your life.

1. Stop. When you notice those uncomfortable feelings, pause to make time to examine them
2. Is there a demand on your time, money or self you feel unable to meet? If so, is it true or self doubt? 
3. Gather resources to meet the demands ask for help or realize you are more capable than you think.
4. Chose differently. Many times we do not have to do anything. Can you say no, delegate or avoid?
5. Are you going against your own interests or values?
6. Stop the habit of a stressful mindset. Stay in the moment rather than listing all you have to do.
7. Take control, make a plan. Focus your energy in a proactive way. Knowing what you will do will help you feel better. Break down the steps and chose to take action rather than feel overwhelmed or defeated.
8. Self care weekly habits such as exercise, fun, spirituality, nutrition help us balance our lives to be at our best to meet life’s inevitable challenges. Make it a priority to take care of you.