Dealing With Stress

Perhaps we are all behind because of a LONG winter, and as we emerge into spring, I find myself surrounded with tales of increasing stressors. Seemingly, no one has enough time to perform the necessary tasks of the day in an appropriate amount of time. (We wasted our spring cleanup time shoveling!) We've probably all hoped for more hours in the day, but realistically, how do we handle increasing workloads and commitments while our culture demands everything be done yesterday…and perfectly? Some may say we are losing out on valuable developmental coping mechanisms by moving too quickly in our goals for ultimate achievement. What to do so as to not fall behind? Some of us exercise. We compete to feel fulfilled, for a sense of accomplishment or to feel the simple pleasure of sport, but then we have training goals that may increase the very stress they were designed to eliminate.

To decrease our stressors, we need to understand what it is by definition. Stress is the way we feel when we are unable to control something that is happening to us…when something is beyond our control. In sport, this takes place on a regular basis, and the mental edge is sometimes more powerful than the physical edge…compelling us to the finish line or defeating us.

Whether you are training or competing, stress and anxiety ride with you. Another part of our training must be how to turn our anxiety to a positive motivator, not just physically, but mentally.

Basic tips to help decrease stress:

·Exercise not related to competition ( ie yoga)

·Eat well

·Sleep well

·Get a deep tissue massage

·Be realistic in your achievements while empowering yourself

·Try to identify the cause of anxiety

·Say NO often. Do not overextend yourself.

·Have a "happy place". Day dreaming releases brain chemicals associated with pleasure.

·Understand when you need a break, and when you don't.

If you feel a panic or anxiety attack coming on, think through the problem by breaking it down. Imagine the worst that can happen. Nine times out of ten it then appears less severe. Here, you gain control over the situation.

Stress may have adverse outcomes including a decrease in productivity and enjoyment, and has been linked to many chronic health conditions, some effecting the cardiovascular, neurological and digestive systems. Harnessing our stress and molding it into something beneficial can seem a near impossible task at times, but try to incorporate a few of the above suggestions to manipulate that energy into a positive force. Take control and drive yourself forward!