stress

Calm Like Thunder: Why Storms Might Handle Stress Better Than You Do

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While the skies were throwing an electrical tantrum last night, I was oddly at peace—dozing between thunderclaps like a seasoned nap ninja. If only I could summon that same calm during a Wi-Fi outage or when I realize I left my grocery list on the kitchen counter.

Yesterday, we were under tornado watch from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Around 9 p.m. thunderstorms rolled in one after another throughout the night. I enjoy thunderstorms. I’d wake up when a lightening flash and the accompanying thunder were seemingly instantaneous, then it was off to dream land. If there was a tornado, hoped the sirens were loud enough to wake me. I’d like to feel as calm as I feel during a thunderstorm when I get caught up the day’s chaos. That’s a good goal to work toward since most of the day’s chaos isn’t too important. Yet, it is easy to give it more importance than it deserves. Let’s try walking through today and let the small irritations flow on by. Keep a smile on and shine your light.

Healthy Tips: Gratitude: Nature’s Stress Buster You Don’t Have to Swallow

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An attitude of gratitude has health benefits for us. For the next 5 days, including today, I will provide blog posts that provide a way in which you can use gratitude to improve your health.

Why pop a pill when you can lower stress levels by saying “thank you” to life’s little gifts—like your coffee staying hot until the last sip?

Chronic stress wrecks your health—but gratitude fights back. Research shows that practicing gratitude reduces cortisol levels and increases heart rate variability, a marker of resilience. Start small: each night before bed, write down 3 things you’re grateful for. They can be as simple as not burning your toast.

Practice Tip: Create a “gratitude jar.” Each day, write one good thing that happened and toss it in. On tough days, pick a few out and remind yourself: you’ve got more wins than you thought.

Think gratitude only calms your nerves? Wait until you see what it does for your heart—literally. Stay tuned for a cardiac surprise.

Let Your Worries Take a Hike—Rick Will Watch Them for You

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Some folks can’t go a day without doomscrolling, forecasting disaster, or Googling “asteroid impact probability.” But not you, amigo. Today, let the sun hit your face, sip your coffee slowly, and leave the worrying to professionals like Rick—he’s got a full-time gig with benefits.

Enjoy today. Let the big worries have a vacation. You both need some time off. I can guarantee the worries will be waiting for you when you open the door. So, don’t worry about not worrying. I know people who make a profession out of worrying. My friend Rick is such a person.

Ray: Hi Rick, how’s it going?”

Rick: “Did you see the latest news?”

Ray: “I get my news online. I prefer to read about it.”

Rick: “Get your head in the game, Ray. These tariffs are going to send you to the poor house.”

Ray: “The way I live, mostly a plant based diet. My brother calls me cheap. I say I’m frugal. Everything will play out. Not to worry.”

Rick. “I wouldn’t be so sure. I heard STDs are coming back.”

Ray: “Are you worried about getting an STD (Rick is in his 80’s)?

Rick: “No, but I might know some people who could get an STD.”

Ray: (trying to change the subject). How do you like this weather? It’s great?”

Rick: “It’s been a few good days, but there’s a 5 percent chance in ten days we could have severe thunderstorms.”

Ray: (I’m getting a headache). “I’ve got to run, Rick. Lots of errands to do.”

Rick: “Watch out for road rage and pot holes and all that construction.”

Ray: (I need a cup of coffee). Adios, Rick.

Healthy Tips: The Great Bedroom Escape: Why Your Brain Might Need a New Zip Code to Sleep

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Beginning tonight I will post daily health tips on how to get a good’s night’s sleep. some of the tips are quirky and may just do the trick for you. Here’s to you getting a good night’s sleep. Cheers (I’m toast with Chamomile tea).

Tip: Your bed should be a luxury sleep ship, but if it feels more like a malfunctioning command center of stress, it’s time for a new strategy. Sometimes, the very place you’re trying to sleep is wired with too many “stay awake” triggers—like a bad relationship with a pillow. Moving to a different room, a couch, or even a hammock might trick your stubborn brain into thinking, “Ahh, new territory, no stress here—let’s power down.”

Health Tip: Put a Sock in It—Literally

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When your brain won’t stop talking, sometimes the best strategy is to throw something soft at it. Like a sock. Or better yet, find one missing its partner and give it a second life—on your hand.

Tip: Do something absurd on purpose. Put a sock puppet on your hand and narrate your thoughts like a character. This flips the script on anxious thinking and recruits humor and detachment—a comedic breakup with stress.

Healthy Tip: 🫁 Day 1: Breathe Like You Mean It (Because Gasping Doesn’t Count)

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🧘‍♂️ For the next 5 days (beginning with this post) I am going to share a different way to stay calm and keep your cool. Non of us are immune from high stress situations. A small trigger an set us of causing us to say or do something we later regret. Healthy

Breathe Like You Mean It (Deep Breathing)

Why it works: Deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s natural “calm-down” mode.

How: Try box breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat.

Example:

You’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, running late. Instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel, you take five deep, slow breaths and focus on the rhythm. Your heart rate drops, your grip relaxes, and suddenly you’re not yelling at the radio.

Want to Feel Happier?

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I read an online article yesterday that was headlined, The Most Important Question To Ask Yourself if You Want to be Happy.” I wanted to know what that question was. I clicked on the link and it took me to the article. I was not interested in all the filler before the author got to the question, so I scanned the article looking for the question that was going to make me happier. I scrolled over paragraphs and past ads until I found it about half way through the article. The question the author suggested we ask ourselves before we begin an endeavor is, “Will this make me happy?” That’s simple enough. At first I thought it was simplistic, the more I thought about it, I realized it was profound. Today, for example, I’m off to the DMV to renew my license. My appointment is mid morning. I was thinking I could hustle to the gym, get my workout in and then slide into the DMV with at least 15 minutes to spare. I asked myself the following question, “Will getting your workout in make you happier?” My answer was, “It will stress me out.” I’ll give my body a day off today.” I am already feeling more relaxed. Try asking yourself the question or a variation of it, it may help you to feel happier or less stressed.

Healthy Tips: Up Your Romance Game

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Scientific research has shown that being in a loving relationship is correlated with several health benefits.

I will share one of the health benefits each day over the next five days.

A 2010 study in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that happily married individuals had lower cortisol levels compared to single or unhappily married individuals. People in loving relationships tend to have lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Chronic stress is linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease and weakened immune function. Supportive partners help buffer stress, promoting overall well-being.

Source: ChatGPT

Do You Have Piles of Dirty Clothes?

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The best way to get something done is to do it. Lots of stuff doesn’t get done, not because it’s difficult, it’s because we don’t like doing it. Something like doing the clothes fits this description. Does your laundry room or bedroom have a pile of dirty clothes? As the pile gets higher, we opt to search our closets or armoire for something clean to wear. Finding something clean or that matches may even take longer than tossing a batch of clothes in the washer. We may even sink to a low point and wear dirty clothes for a day or two until we have no choice but to do clothes. The best way to get something done is to do it. There is a correlation between stress and putting off a task we know needs to get done. Just do it. You’ll feel better. Excuse me, I have to take my clothes out of the dryer and fold, sort, and put away. I dislike this so much. LOL

Healthy Tips: Recognize Signs of Stress

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Recognize Signs of Stress ~Physical symptoms like headaches, tight muscles, or digestive issues can indicate stress overload. Prioritize relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or walks in nature.

No one has a pressure free life. Stressors come at us from every possible angle. They come from relationships in and outside of immediate family. The come from work. There are financial stressors. Do you feel your jaw tightening simply by reading these words? It’s a good idea to do a body scan several times a day. It can be done quickly. All you’re doing is looking for signs that your stressed. As the health tip suggests, find time where you can chill, not talking hitting the bar for a few drinks, do something physical, e.g., run, walk, swim, lift weights. Do yoga or meditation. Make a visit to your house of worship and sit quietly. They’re lots of things you can do to lower the speed on the stress meter.

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