Stress seems to be a constant and evil presence in our lives. Although it may seem like an enemy, it is an unavoidable reality in today's world. All living organisms must face threats, risks and dangers. The physiological reaction to acute stress, with its cascade of hormones (adrenaline, cortisol, etc.), increases our chances for survival by helping us flee the danger or fight it more effectively. The current problem with stress is in part due to chronic demands, goals, tight deadlines, full schedules, and conflicting roles that can be difficult to cope with. In short, overwork has become a cultural norm. We also can't forget our mental tendency to anticipate, predict or imagine catastrophes, which in turn chronically activates these biological mechanisms and inevitably weakens us over time.
Ways of preventing and managing stress
Beyond these mechanisms shared by all living beings, humans can react differently depending on a number of variables: age, mental or physical condition, resources, social network, etc. Although some people seem able to adapt quite easily to major levels of stress in the short term, there can be a heavy price to pay in the medium and long term. If not properly managed, daily stress can lead to a plethora of symptoms: digestion problems,
sleep disorders, fatigue, irritability, loss of concentration, loss of pleasure, impulsivity, impaired judgement, sadness, and many others. We also know that hostility is a risk factor in the onset of coronary artery disease.
Fortunately, there are plenty of methods and techniques to reduce the intensity of stress and its harmful impact. We can learn how to live better. We can choose to live our lives how we want. We can respect our bodies and minds. Some tried-and-true stress management techniques are explained briefly below.
Stop: One of the hardest things for people to do these days is take some quiet time to stop and do nothing. Science supports the use of meditation as a tool to train our minds to return to the present.
Move: To function, the body also needs to be revitalized, trained, toned and flexible; however, you also need to know your limits.
Communicate effectively: This is an essential skill for all human beings.
Develop: We must grow and learn throughout our lives.
Time: We have to remember to take the time to get organized, structure our lives and occupy our days without becoming overwhelmed.
Stress can come from any area of our lives and cause physical and mental suffering. Fortunately, we can reduce suffering, transform it, and use it to gradually make a positive change. The Stress Reduction Workshop provides people with skills to reduce and better manage stress and thereby enjoy a healthy life for as long as possible.