STRESS: An opportunity for transformation
There is more to life than increasing its speed.
- Mohandas K. Gandhi
Greetings!
Stress is a part of modern life and it appears to be here to stay. Most of us consider it to be negative, but did you know that there is both “good” and “bad” stress? Let’s try to understand stress better so that we can harness the energy of it to improve the quality of our lives.
Eustress or Good Stress is the positive form of stress. It is the energy that our mind and body need to prepare us for imminent challenges and achievements. Our body reacts with physical changes that enable us to meet goals, create, achieve and succeed. It is also the stress that encourages athletes to perform and excel.
How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward.
- Spanish Proverb
Distress or Bad Stress is the negative form of stress. This occurs when the mind and body are unable to cope with the changes and events that are taking place in our lives. Acute stress is intense but does not last for long. Chronic stress occurs when the situation persists over a long period of time. When distress goes unmanaged both physically and emotionally, there can be a negative impact on our health.
If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment. - Marcus Aurelius
Stress is a potent form of energy. It is certainly unavoidable. I consider it an opportunity for re-evaluation of our lifestyles and perceptions. This newsletter is designed to increase the awareness of our individual stressors and its impact on the health of our body, mind and spirit. With this understanding, we can harness this energy of stress and use it to make a positive transformation in our lives. I have included the many ways we can transform stress through diet, exercise, nutrition, herbs, meditation and more.
In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive. - Lee Iaccoca
Did you know that your perception could change how your body reacts to stress? I will give you and example that I give to my patients. There are two people that are both working a 9-5 corporate job. The one person loves the job because it provides a regular paycheck, insurance and security. The other person in the same position feels trapped and bored by the 9-5 routine. They would rather be travelling or self-employed. The person who loves the job has no harmful reactions happening in their body. The person, who is bored, is producing adrenaline and cortisol from feeling trapped. The only thing that is different is their perceptions of the exact same reality.
Stress is not what happens to us. It’s our response TO what happens. And RESPONSE is something we can choose
- Maureen Killoran
My challenge to you is to look at the world you have created. Accept that stress is part of it. Use the stress as an opportunity to change, grow and transform. From here we can create the life that we would love to be living.
I loved this post,very well said and explained,and very true.Thank you,it’s very helpful.
Hi Dr. G. – This is a incredibly well-written newsletter. So much great information (I am trying to live it, I really am!). Thank you for taking the time to put this out there – so many people can benefit from it. I LOVE the Spanish proverb, no doubt written by a Kapha.
xo,
Barbara