what to do when stress is too much to handle?

Stress is a big part of our daily lives; most times, we don’t realize it is too much to handle until it buckles us to the ground. At times stress strikes like a snake in the night. Other times it gradually builds up from a simmering boil. We give stress too much control over our lives because we expect it, so we invite it in. The causes of our stress may be out of our hands, but our response is in our control. Stress leads to tension in the mind, body, and soul. To regain our power and fight back, we must release all that tension back into the atmosphere and allow our mind, body, and soul to relax. 

BREATHING EXERCISES

When our body is under duress, we unintentionally hold our breath or stop breathing at a regular rate. Deep breathing allows more air to flow into our body and can help calm our “nerves” in the body's mind and muscles. It can help us focus on the things that really matter, making the stressful event not seem important and putting things in perspective. Exhaling is a symbolic way of releasing the stress and tension back into the atmosphere. 

MEDITATION/VISUALIZATION

Stress can cause negative and dark thoughts to race through our minds. Visualizing happier thoughts and even the resolution of stressful events can release tension. Meditating on the present and being mindful of the moment relaxes muscles as well. 

REST

The best way to relax the mind and body is to put them to rest. Taking a nap or going to sleep for the day can allow us to let every muscle relax, and our mind goes wherever it needs to for our survival. We need more sleep at times of stress (about 9 hours per night), so the mind and body have ample time to reset.

PRAY

For our spirit, prayer is the best way to release the tension. When we feel that things are no longer in our control, we need a higher power to take the wheel and steer us in the right direction. Prayer is our way of asking for help, releasing our control over stressful events, and learning the next steps when we allow a higher power to carry the burden releases all the stress from our spirit, mind, and body.

EXPRESS OURSELVES

Holding things in strengthens the tension and makes every inch of our body feel tighter.  We will experience involuntary tension and voluntary tension as well, like clenching our jaw and fist. When we open up and express what we are feeling and dealing with, the tension releases through our words, art, music, and dance. To express ourselves, we can talk to someone, journal, write poetry, create a picture, play music, choreograph a new dance, and so much more. Stress can be too much to handle only if we allow it to be.