Stress: The Silent Killer

The #1 killer and cause of disease is stress. Stress is a part of every human’s life; however some people have no idea how to deal with it. Our bodies are built to experience stress and react to it. Stress, at times, can be positive by keeping us alert and aware of dangerous situations. Stress becomes negative when we face continuous challenges without relief or relaxation from these challenges. As a result, people become overworked and stress-related tension builds. In general, no matter the age, knowing how to manage stress has become a huge problem in our society today.

When stress continues without any relief, it leads to a condition called distress. Distress leads to physical symptoms including the following: headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress can also cause certain diseases.

Stress becomes even more harmful when people use alcohol, tobacco, or other harmful drugs in their efforts to self medicate for relief. In most cases, instead of relieving the stress and returning the body to a relaxed state, these substances keep the body in a stressed state and cause more problems. Consider the following:

·         43% of all adults negative health effects from stress. (Jerome F. Kiffer, MA, Department of Health Psychology and Applied Psychophysiology, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.)

·         75 - 90% of all doctor's office visits are associated with stress-related ailments and complaints. (Jerome F. Kiffer, MA, Department of Health Psychology and Applied Psychophysiology, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.)

·         Stress plays a huge part in health concerns such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.

·         The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared stress a hazard of the workplace. Stress costs the American industry more than $300 billion per year.

·         50% of people suffering from stress end up being diagnosed with an emotional disorder. (Jerome F. Kiffer, MA, Department of Health Psychology and Applied Psychophysiology, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.)

My Grandmother (RIP) used to always tell me “don’t let this world stress you out!” From her, my father and my own experimentation I learned to deal with stress in positive ways. When you find yourself stressed, try these tips:

·         Pray

·         Meditate

·         Yoga

·         Deep breathing exercises

·         Physical exercise, such as walking or jogging

·         Start a workout program

Another issue associated with stress that people sometimes don’t realize is diet. The food you eat has a lot to do with how you mentally and physically are able to handle stress. Bad eating choices and habits lead to a weakened physical and mental state. At times when stressed, the best thing to do is cleanse your body and mind to start over. Let me explain what I mean:

1.     Detox (For the Body): For a 7 day period do not eat or drink any items with added sugar. If possible, eliminate all proteins that come from the flesh of animals. Eat as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible. Only consume whole grain products. Concentrate on consuming at least a 1/2 gallon of water per day. Doing these things will create a natural colonic cleanse.

2.     Meditate (For the Mind): Too often today, in our extremely fast paced society, we don’t take time to let our minds relax and rest. Many of us can’t regularly get a good night’s sleep because our minds are still moving a mile a minute. First thing in the morning and/or the last thing at night, take 15 – 20 minutes to meditate. Learning to meditate is an art. The goal is to clear your mind. However, sometimes when you try not to think about anything, you think about everything. Try laying on the floor, face up, legs spread shoulder width apart, with your arms to the side, palms up. Envision black paint in a sink that has just been unclogged. Focus on the vortex of the black paint. Let your mind expel your thoughts in the same manner that the paint is being drained from the sink. As you do this, take deep full breathes in a rhythmic pattern.

3.     Find the God in You (For the Soul): Get closer to God as He is our creator. Learn who God is for yourself in your everyday life. There’s a big difference between being religious and being spiritual. Understanding that fact, will allow your soul to connect to its origin and strength. The man in the pulpit can only teach you so much; at some point we must all seek God for ourselves.

The main thing to remember is life happens. Many things in this world are out of our control. So why worry about the things we have no control over? I think the theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr, summed it up best in the words of his 1943 sermon. This is the prayer my Grandmother (RIP) instructed me to pray every morning and every night. I have found, in my own life, the power of prayer is undeniable. Try it and see if I’m right.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
  Courage to change the things I can,
  And wisdom to know the difference.”