Manage Stress and Connect Socially

The response to any demand on the body is stress.  “Stress” and “distress” are often used as synonymous, but they aren’t. Distress is what we think of as “bad stress”, the physical and psychological kind that is harmful and draining. Eustress refers to “good stress”, the physical and psychological kind that motivates us. What we want to do is learn how to achieve things in a resilient way: managing stress.

Most of our lives are busy and stressful both at work and at home. Sometimes we are moving so quickly that we don’t even realize that stress is creeping in until it surfaces physically with exhaustion, illness or in other ways emotionally. With everything we need to get done we don’t think we can take time for ourselves or have time to spend with others. Setting aside time is exactly what we need to do for our health.

Tips for managing stress:

• Practice daily gratitude
• Spend time in nature
• Practice meditation or a mindful form of movement such as Qigong, Tai Chi or Yoga
• Practice deep breathing
• Read a book or listen to music
• Take time for a hobby that brings you joy
• Form and maintain positive relationships

Social connections not only enrich our lives but can also help alleviate stress. We all need that close friend or family member that leaves us feeling energized after spending time with them or knows how to listen when we want to share what’s on our mind. Taking time for yourself or spending time with someone you enjoy is an important part of managing stress.