April Fools’ Day falls (or shall I say slips on a banana peel, for comic effect) on April 1. But did you know Stress Awareness Month also starts on April 1?
I never imagined pranks and foolish things could share the same time in our social calendar. Maybe it is not too far-fetched an idea.
Stress can drain us of our energy and will to go on. It can even worsen existing health problems. It has become a part of our life, whether in mild form or in one that needs clinical treatment. I write this as a reminder for myself also. For 18 years I have been taking care of my husband, a stroke survivor, and the burden has not been light.
The first step in handling stress is admitting you are under stress.
According to Walter Bradford Cannon, an American physiologist, coined the term “flight-or-fight” or “being the first state of general adaptation syndrome that organisms use to deal with stress.” Stress is a reminder that we are neglecting an important area in our life which is our health. We need to take a break to see a doctor when we sense something wrong: constant headaches, dizziness, lack of zest.
To cope with stress, not only do we admit we have it, learn its triggers, and consider it as a reminder we have personal needs, we have to take a few steps to minimize it.
Exercise. Jog, go to the gym or follow a cardio exercise video. Go outdoors to do some walking.
Gardening. I remember my aunt Genie, a nurse by profession and a home gardener by avocation. She raised orchids and roses that she visited every morning before going to work at Cebu Velez General Hospital. She once mentioned how it brings joy to her seeing her roses bloom. It was a great stress reliever.
Meditation. Mindful.org instructs the following: Find a calm and quiet place. Set a time limit (five to 10 minutes). Notice your body and breath. Your mind might wander but do not let it bother you.
Talking. Meet with old friends. Talking to a sibling, or a trusted friend or a relative can help release some of the pressures within you. I recently met with Gwen, my second cousin, being the daughter of my first cousin Pat. Of course, I made arrangements for someone to watch over my husband. Talking with Gwen was good. She is fun to be with. My other chat buddies are my sisters Thelma and Ametta who remind me I must also take care of myself.
Writing and art. Whether prose or poetry, painting or needlework, it helps keep our hands busy with tasks that give release. Prayer has helped me through difficulties and stress. Narda, a friend, work partner and churchmate, “sandwiches” our conversations and tasks with prayers.