Emotional Wellness Conference

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.

Chronic Stress

By Kathrine Rookwood, PsyD, MDIV, MA

We are living in an unprecedented time when people are struggling with an insurmountable level of stress. The Bible alluded that this time would come, “But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear].” (2 Timothy 3:1, AMP) While unremitting stress is dangerous, it’s important to denote that a moderate amount of stress is not bad. In fact, scientific research denotes that a moderate amount of stress can be helpful when competing or trying something new. For example, if you are interviewing for an important position, a minimum amount of stress will be helpful for improving your focus and attention. However, chronic stress that is unrelenting is harmful to the body.

God designed us with a stress response so that we can get protection when we feel threatened, or our lives are in danger. Upon impending danger, a signal triggers physiological reactions in our bodies such as: tense muscles, more air pumps into your lungs, frontal lobe functioning decreases and hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released. These changes help us increase speed, strength, and reaction time to fight or flee from frightening situations.

Our executive functioning helps us complete multi-step tasks such as planning, prioritization, and strategizing. This higher-ordered thinking allows us to problem solve and make effective decisions. When this part of our brain slows down, the slowed connection impacts how efficiently one learns and processes information. As a result, individuals will experience a decrease in their ability to make quick decisions, focus and memorize information.

One helpful tip to reduce chronic stress is to become aware of the physiological changes in your body in its initial stages. The opportunity is for you to seize the signals that lets you know that you are stressed so that you can evaluate what you need to do next. Ignoring that you are stressed will only increase it. People experience stress with a broad array of symptoms. What about you? Can you identify when you’re feeling stressed in its early stages? I’d like you to pause for a moment and think about where you feel the stress in your body? Some people get frequent headaches or a pain in their lower abdomen, others feel a twitching in their eyes or tightness in their neck and shoulders. The quicker you can detect these symptoms is the more effective you will be in reducing your stress level.

Another tip is to expand your support system. Research indicates that social support is effective in reducing stress. Talk honestly about your challenges. Utilize trusted friends, relatives, or coworkers. Scripture indicates that “in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14. KJV) God created us to live in community so that we can, “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”(Galatians 6:2, KJV) and find unique solutions that you couldn’t figure out on your own. If your stress is severe, seek professional help. There are support groups, therapists, Psychologists and Psychiatrists who offer medication if you have an undiagnosed mood disorder. You don’t have to suffer from chronic stress alone.

Emotional Wellness Conference
Join Us at The Healthy Church for our monthly
Topics: Stress, Anxiety, Depression
Virtual ZoomID:949266909
Password: 004453
Date: February 26,2022
Time: 3:00pm E.S.T.

This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.