If you are an adult and you are reading this, chances are very likely that you have experienced at least some degree of one of the four types of stress. Some of us weighing in may know of only three types, others of us five types, and even others seven types. How many there are really is a matter of specificity and different ways of describing stress levels.
For now, here, what follows is in consideration of four commonly known types of stress. They are:
1. Physical Stress: This is often the most obvious form of stress. It might present itself as headaches or other aches and pains, or you might notice an increase in your heart rate. Other common signs include getting sick more often than usual, or noticing tension throughout your entire body.
2. Mental Stress: This form of stress is also quite common, and fairly easy to recognize. Mental stress often presents itself as memory problems, an inability to concentrate, or anxiety.
3. Behavioral Stress: This can be more difficult to recognize in yourself. Behavioral stress is indicated by a change in your typical habits, such as food intake (eating more or less than usual), sleep patterns, isolating yourself from others, or avoiding your typical responsibilities.
4. Emotional Stress: This is another tough one to diagnose. When the body is experiencing stress emotionally, it tends to prepare its "fight or flight" response, which can show up in subtle ways. Signs of emotional stress can include an increase in agitation or moodiness.1
1 Source: summary of an article on the four types of stress from a major health provider.
Stress is stressful. It can invade every aspect of being and living. The havoc it can create may be overwhelming, exhausting, and debilitating in thousands of ways.
In the United States, 90 PERCENT OF ALL VISITS TO PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS ARE FOR STRESS-RELATED COMPLAINTS.
NINETY. PERCENT.2 That is a staggering percentage that screams, "Less stress."
2 Source: summary of a Web MD article on the effects of stress on the body.
On social media, across most platforms and all the spaces in between, more and more information appears about the bad effects of stress.
Stress is far too prevalent. While the reasons we all feel stress are infinite and very understandable, the time and energy we spend as a result of stress are lost forever. None of us has extra time or extra energy guaranteed. If we are using time and energy, they are better spent in positive ways, spent overcoming stress.
One of the best ways we know to battle stress and similar challenges is to engage in the practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is powerful. It is gaining popularity, and it is proving to be a lifestyle tool well worth exploring.
Mindfulness is a form of meditation in which a person practices elevated self-awareness, focusing intently on how the world, the environment, and surroundings affect all the senses. The exercise of mindfulness is done with a focus on living in the moment. Mindfulness is a technique used to train the brain to be aware of the here and now.
Mindfulness requires us to slow down and direct our mental efforts and concentration toward elevating our senses as we engage in living and in life. The practice of mindfulness often incorporates special breathing methods and mental or physical images of nature, especially images that evoke feelings of serenity or calmness. The practice of mindfulness offers many ways to relax the body and mind in order to lessen or relieve stress, depression, and even anxiety.
Spending too much time planning, problem-solving, daydreaming, or thinking negative or random thoughts can be draining. It can also make us more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Practicing mindfulness exercises can help us learn to move our attention away from this kind of thinking and re-engage with the world around us. Over time, developing this kind of control can be supported by meditation.
Meditation and mindfulness have been the subjects of many trials. The evidence strongly indicates that they can positively affect various mental states, including:
Meditation can be an effective way to improve stress, patience, and enjoyment. It can help improve how we respond to any situation, and that is a significant point. Through meditation, we can improve our ability to recognize situations and better prepare for challenges that cause stress. Self-awareness can lead to chosen action instead of passive reaction that feels chaotic and overwhelming.
Meditation can be done very easily from almost anywhere. Mindfulness exercises are simple and straightforward. They can be found quickly by searching for mindfulness exercises online.
No matter what, life’s challenges will continue. How each of us continues is our choice. Even a surface-level introduction to the practice of mindfulness proves to be a fulfilling, accessible life skill to help lessen stress.
Simple yet sophisticated, mindfulness is worth the time and energy.
Give it a try.
Give it some time.
Do whatever it takes to Live to the Max.
United States
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Philippines
United States
|
English
