We live in stressful world. We can’t eliminate stress – all we can do is manage it. One of the ways I like to relieve stress is through humor. Here’s an example:
An old man lived alone in Northern Maine. He wanted to dig up his garden to plant potatoes, but it was very hard work. His only son, who would have helped him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and mentioned his situation:
Dear Son,
I am feeling really stressed because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my potato field this year. I hate to miss doing the potatoes, because your mother always loved planting time. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me, if you weren’t in prison. I’m just very stressed.
Love, Dad
Shortly, the old man received this telegram:
For heaven’s sake, Dad, don’t dig up the garden!! That’s where I buried the guns.
At 4 the next morning, a dozen police officers showed up and dug up the entire garden without finding any guns. Confused, the old man wrote another note to his son telling him what happened, and asked him what to do next.
His son’s reply was: “Go ahead and plant your potatoes, Dad.. It’s the best I could do for you from here.”
Stress is a large part of everyday life. Stress is has many definitions and there are many ways to manage stress. Most stress occurs at our busiest moments: school, work and home. Those are the most common places for stress to build. Nevertheless, stress is unavoidable.??
How do people know that they are stressed? The body responds to stress negatively. Many biological changes take place, which include, but are not limited to, muscle tension, breathing heavily, dry mouth, sweats, tremors and dilating of pupils. These changes can cause health problems if experienced too frequently. The body often becomes worn down, making it more susceptible to becoming sick. Depending on how serious the stress can determine the severity of its impact.?? For example, an individual may have a stressful week at work, and contract a virus, and end up with a common cold. Reducing stress may help the body recover faster, and may even keep a person healthier.
The brain, nerves and central nervous system interpret stress in our lives. Some factors affect the way people live and determine how stress is interpreted by their immune system, and what side-effects stress will have. Nourishment is important because the immune system needs enough to weaken viruses. Exercise is vital because it can relieve tension and keep the body healthy. However, moderation is the key. Heavy exercise with no break can harm the body and wear it down with similar effects as stress.
Personality is an important factor because that is the trait that helps individuals cope with stress. Easy-going personalities are usually able to deal with stress better.?? People with this type of personality don’t let as much upset them and reason better when faced with stress. Hostile personalities usually become angry more quickly when faced with stress.??
There are several side-effects that occur from stress. Insomnia is another factor that stress may bring on. This occurs when a person is disrupted with thoughts and questions that cause an inability to sleep. Chronic pain, headaches and backaches can be stress induced when under pressure. The muscles in these areas become tense under stress. Heart problems are the most common side-effect. The pain felt in the chest is tension caused by an oxygen shortage to the heart. Heart attacks occur due to high blood pressure and can be fatal.?? Some behaviors that people take part in to reduce or cope with stress may also bring on heart problems.
Stress can also hurt emotionally, as with depression. Depression is another side affect from stress and that is a serious disorder to deal with. Pressures of life may really get to an individual, making him or her feel down. Some of the symptoms discussed previously may be a sign of depression resulting from stress. Symptoms of depression can include sleeping problems, headaches and body aches. Individuals who are depressed should seek counseling.??
There are several different ways to manage stress. Not every way of managing stress is right for every person, because everyone’s reaction to stress is different. There is no right or wrong answer. One way is by practicing a simple breathing exercise, for which there are many different techniques. Relaxing and breathing work together. Relaxing may include doing something enjoyable, such as taking a walk, listening to music, picking up a hobby, reading or simply sitting or lying down in peace and quiet.?? Moderate exercising is another way of reducing stress, but it is important to remember not to overdo it. Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean running the mile. It could simply mean stretching.??
Humor is also a way of managing stress. Some say that laughter is the “jest medicine.” A funny story, a silly song, or even a comedic movie can go so far in relieving stress. It’s hard to hold a grudge or fret over trivial things when you’re laughing – and it burns calories.
Daniel Parenteau is a freelance writer who resides in Biddeford. His column appears every other week. Find his blog at danielparenteau.com.
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