Stress has a major influence over our lives, not that it is necessarily a bad thing. Stress can motivate us to think creatively and act with determination. Good stress is the kind that comes from going on a first date, competing for a promotion or riding on a rollercoaster. It is the kind of nervous pressure that favours performance. Stress is key for our survival, but too much stress is known to have truly detrimental side-effects.
The problem is that we often find ourselves in a similar situation to the boiling frog. If you haven’t heard the fable before, the premise is that if you drop a frog into boiling water, it will quickly jump out. However, if the frog is put in tepid water which is slowly brought to boil, it will not perceive the danger and will be cooked to death.
For many of us, we’re so used to putting on a brave face and answering every how-are-you with ‘I’m fine!’. When it comes to the end-of-year final deadlines, celebrations, festivities, and fake pines in the shopping malls, we can be just like the frog in the kettle and not realize just how high our temperature has risen. We just keep saying, ‘I’m feeling’ fine!’
It is often the small incremental changes in our lives that can bring fortune or misfortune. When it comes to stress we need to constantly work to undo the negative effects, lest we are fated to boil alive in anxiety and self-doubt.
Don’t let the festive season add more harmful stress to your life.
One way that has been noted as having a profound effect on our overall psychological well-being is volunteering. Giving our time and energy to help someone else is not only fulfilling, but it can put our challenges and fears into perspective. Not only that, we will be sharing a meaningful connection with another person and we’ll feel great about doing something tangible to help someone in need. If there was ever a time to volunteer – it is the end-of-year holiday season.
If you don’t have time to volunteer, you can try doing someone a random favour every day. It can be something as small as helping a neighbour with their grocery shopping or going on a coffee run for colleagues. The reason that this is so effective is that it gives us control over a situation with a positive outcome. Much of managing stress is about accepting the things that we don’t have control over and attending to those that we do.
Other good strategies involve spending time out in nature, writing in a journal or playing with your pet. Also, remember to see the funny side of life. Laughter often arises from a release in tension during a stressful situation. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress. Don’t forget to let out a chuckle when the opportunity presents itself.
In no time at all, you’ll truly be feeling pine this festive season!