You’ve heard it or said it yourself: “If there were just a few more hours in a day, maybe I could get it all done.”
Too often we run ourselves ragged, trying to get it all done before we sit down, take a break, or do something just for us.
Yes, we’ve all heard it, there is good stress. But let’s talk about the other kind, like dealing with the ex about the kids, or working a job where we feel overwhelmed. Too much stress for too long can lead to depression.
Developing insight and awareness about how and why we perceive situations the way we do, can make a huge difference between making new better choices, or falling into views and behaviors that have been with us for years.
Many choose journaling to help. Good friends or the right family members can help too, or a good counsellor/therapist. Finding someone you can talk to can make a critical difference, to help you sift through events, consider perspectives, and move forward.
Especially consider self care. Consider four cornerstones to avoid/fight depression:
– healthy eating. Frozen pizza and soda pop won’t do much to help your brain stay strong;
– exercise. Stress is reduced by exercising, but it’s common to cut out exercise to reduce time stress. It’s about the chicken or the egg. Remember that getting the exercise helps get your body and brain to work efficiently;
– stay social. Connections share the load. A single stick breaks easily, while a bunch is much stronger; and
– good sleep habits. Too much sleep is not good for us. Learning how to sleep well at night is important.
While there is not one answer for everyone, it is in everyone’s best interest to look carefully at how we manage our stress.
What feels easy, is rarely good for us, and what is good for us, is rarely easy. And remember, there is always help to be found.
submitted by Paul Young, Young Solutions: Family Counselling and Meditation, Ariss
