Do you ever feel stressed out?

Every day, we help our clients work through stress brought on by aging and dementia related challenges.

One of the most important concepts we share is that when you have a stressful experience (big or small), your nervous system responds negatively (fight, fright, or flight) in an effort to protect you.

So, feeling the stress isn't a bad thing.

What is bad is not allowing yourself to feel it and work through it.

Stress is a biological response...

And like all biological responses, there is a beginning, a middle and an end.

If you can move all the way through the stress response cycle, you will preserve your health.

Twin sisters and Drs. Amelia and Emily Nagoski identify the importance of processing through the cycle in their book called "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle."

In it, they write:

"The good news is that stress is not the problem. It's how you deal with stress that releases it, completes the cycle and ultimately keeps you from burning out."

They go on to say...

"You can't control what comes your way. The goal is not to live in a state of perpetual balance, peace and calm; the goal is to move through stress to calm so you're ready for the next stressor."

Why is this important?

Stress releases harmful amounts of the hormones cortisol and adrenaline in your body...and unless the cycle is completed, the negative emotion (and hormones) will stay, causing lots of problems for you.

Quoting Drs. Nagoski...

"Completing the stress response cycle is essential the way sleeping and eating are essential...give your body the resources it needs to complete the cycle that has been activated."

In other words, allow yourself to feel the stress...give yourself the space to work through it, and you'll come out on the other side healthier and happier.

So, the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, give these ideas a try and close the cycle.

1. Shake Your Tail Feathers

Moving your body is the most efficient way to complete your stress cycle...and it can literally be any type of physical activity. So, put on your dancing shoes and dance around the room to your favorite song...or go for a walk around the block.

2. The 20-Second Hug

Hugging the people you're closest to often and longer than usual can help end the stress cycle. Quoting the Nagoskis' book..."Research suggests a 20-second hug can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and improve mood, due to an increase in the social bonding hormone, oxytocin."

3. A Good Cry

Crying is a perfect example of an effective physical and emotional response that completes the stress cycle. So, don't hold back...don't be afraid of crying. Grab a box of tissues and let the waterworks flow. Your body and mind will thank you.

4. Get Creative

You don't have to be a natural talent to reap the benefits of creativity. Just do it...whether you choose to make or listen to music, paint a picture, design a room, dance to your favorite song, or write to help yourself process a life experience, it will help you move through and close the stress cycle.

In closing, the next time you feel stress in response to a situation, thank your body...it's only trying to protect you.

Then say to yourself..."I'll take it from here!"