Sunday Story…The last 3 (#2 stress!)

 

Stress kills but stress also keeps you alive. Stress is necessary for growth but too much stress will stunt growth. Stress is what kept you from being devoured by a saber tooth tiger way back when, but stress is also what keeps you from sleeping well at night and performing your best in the gym. Stress is neither good nor bad…it is just a fact of life.

How you manage stress is what matters. If you manage stress by imbibing in alcohol or some other toxic substance or behavior you are not doing yourself any favors. As a matter of fact those sorts of things actually add to the stress your various body parts are under. Stress isn’t just a mental issue; it also manifests in your body. It is often why people get sick and stay sick.

So…what are you going to do? Stress is going to happen. What strategies can you employ that will lessen the impact? Here are some that come to mind:

Breathe.  Take a deep breath in through your nose and release it through your mouth, audibly. Repeat several times. Try “box” breathing…inhale for a 4 count, hold for four, release for 4, hold for 4. These are 2 very simple and accessible strategies.

Take a walk outside. No goal, no pace, no heart rate monitor, just walk and be in the great outdoors. Sunlight is good for you (vitamin D) and your mood.

Try meditation (sit and breathe!) or Tai Chi (move slowly and breathe) of Chi Gung (move differently and breathe).

Here’s the bottom line: if you don’t manage your stress your stress is going to mange you. And you probably won’t like the results!

 

John Mariotti

www.crossfitodyssey.com

www.sunday-stories.blogspot.com

775-338-2412