GIVING UP THE STRESS ADDICTION

As strange as it may seem, stress can become an addiction. If we are in the habit of resisting what is happening in our lives and trying to control what is not in our control, then we can be addicted to stress—the pain, the drama and the hormones that go with it.

Chronic stress is a thief and it robs us of our energy and destroys our peace of mind. When we are wound up tightly, or “stressed out” our experience is blocked and limited. Even when we go away on vacation it can take a week to unwind.

Stress has become so much a part of the “normal” lifestyle in our society that we tend to feel uncomfortable without it. Yes, it does have a purpose—it creates a “fight or flight” response that releases hormones to help us take a stand or run away.

On the other hand, chronic stress can cause some negative side effects, which include:

• tension getting stored in the muscles
• shallow breathing – causing more stress
• the formation of “knots” from chemical deposits
• incessant mental chatter that interferes with focus and
• a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.

All of these conditions contribute to mental and physical fatigue. When the tension in the body is not released, it builds up until it causes a physical reaction such as headaches, ulcers, asthma, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

The key to preventing stress-related illnesses and diseases is to let go of the tension that comes with stress.

You can think of your body’s response to stress like a jack-in-the-box. You wind up the toy until it gets tighter and tighter and what you have is a box full of tension. When the lid opens, that is the release. When Jack pops out, there is a sudden burst of energy and he has a big smile on his face. This is how your body responds to the release of tension. You have more energy and feel better when you let it go.

Consider the possibility that there are a variety of healthy ways to release tension from your body. Smiling and laughing are two simple gestures that trigger the release of endorphins; the “feel good” hormones that automatically make you feel better.

Take several deep breaths. This will send a message to your body that everything is okay.

Get a massage and take time to stretch or practice yoga. Give yourself permission to play more. Not necessarily in a competitive way, but for no other reason than the pure joy of it.

Allow spontaneity to create fun-filled moments amid the planned-out routine of daily living. Be someone others want to be around simply because they feel better in your presence.

Stress reduction is both an art and a science. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you and respond to the messages. Learn ways to let go of tension to restore the flow of life force energy in your body and your body will serve you well.

One way to break the addiction to stress is to discover the joy and freedom that comes from no longer needing to control what you can’t control.

       “Relaxation is who you really are. Tension is who you think you should be.” 
~Carol~