Let It Be
Perhaps John Lennon had life all figured out when he wrote these lyrics so many years ago; or maybe this is the message he was hoping to leave with us as he departed this world. Either way, these three words may be among the most impactful in our lives, if only they were not so difficult to embrace.
Stress, in its many forms, is prevalent in all of our daily lives. Whether the source is work-related, due to family dynamics, or even environmental, we all face stress in varying degrees. Most of us, if asked, would say that we are fully capable of effectively managing our day-to-day stress; but research shows that each of us probably could use some help in this arena.
Stress is a normal physical response to events that make us feel threatened or upset our balance in some way. When a threat is perceived, for example, the nervous system responds by releasing a cascade of stress hormones into the bloodstream, whose job is then to rouse the body for emergency action. The stress response is actually our body’s way of protecting itself. When working properly, stress can enable one to remain focused and energetic, or can provide extra strength for self-defense if needed. However, beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to our health, mood, productivity, relationships, and our overall quality of life.
Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in the body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process. Long-term stress can even rewire the brain, causing a reduction in the levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine, leaving one more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.
New research from the University of Tsukuba in Japan shows that women who report high levels of mental stress are twice as likely to die from stroke, or heart disease, than those with low stress levels. Highly stressed females were also more likely than their relaxed counterparts to report a history of high blood pressure or diabetes. Interestingly, these women tended to be younger and well- educated. In addition, researchers say that women in this high-stress category were more likely to be angry, rushed, feel hopeless, and feel unfulfilled.
In addition to the above mentioned illnesses, many other health issues are caused or exacerbated by high levels of stress, including digestive complications, sleep disturbances, obesity and even autoimmune diseases. Armed with all of this knowledge, how can we train ourselves to deal more adeptly when life throws us the inevitable curveball? The answers lie in becoming aware not only of our triggers, but more importantly our coping mechanisms, and being able to draw upon them when needed. One of my favorite phrases is very applicable here ~ “You cannot change the wind, but you can adjust your sails.” Often we are unable to affect changes in situational dynamics; but we definitely have power over how we react and recover.
There are a variety of stress-busting options that have met with great success. Research shows that meditation can be helpful in facilitating the “letting go” of negative emotions. Expressive writing too, such as journaling, allows one to delve deeper into the topics that challenge the mind, fully experiencing and examining the emotions, and constructing different ways of looking at problems, thereby enabling one to let the problem go. Sometimes the best thing to do to clear the mind is simply to change focus. Get out and exercise with a friend. Activities such as tai chi and yoga can quiet the emotional clutter. This is an excellent way to bring a take a break from stress and worry, and restore harmony and balance.
Once we have found one or two strategies for managing stress in our lives, we can begin to regain a sense of control. Hand in hand with that control comes a feeling of empowerment, and it is that very dynamic that ultimately leads us to the place where we can just “Let it be”. Revel in the quiet of your mind, and live the life you so richly deserve!
Posted: September 2, 2010.
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Cathleen Kronemer is our writer for our self-improvement column and you can read many articles she has written in our print magazine. Cathleen Kronemer has been in the fitness industry for 21 years. She is an AFAA-Certified Group Exercise Instructor, an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer, freelance writer and microbiologist. Cathleen has been a competitive bodybuilder since 2005, and has been blessed with 19 trophies. She credits bodybuilding with helping her stay focused on her journey towards recovery from anorexia, and is currently training for competition in 2011. Cathleen resides in St. Louis, MO, where she is employed by the Jewish Community Center.
