Altogether now: --Hi, Rebekah!
My friend lent me a book about stress after I shared a particular prayer request. The book is called "So stressed" by Drs. Stephanie McClellan and Beth Hamilton. It helps you identify which of the 4 stress types you are, then lays out a stress detox program, complete with nutrition and exercise tips specifically for your type.
Not to anyone's surprise, I'm the HyperS type. S = sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) is activated too frequently or doesn't turn off properly. Here are some characteristics that I might be able to use in a future CV or interview:
-high-functioning
-constant arousal of the brain
-body on alert
-high cortisol levels
-store and concentrate fat around middle (potential apple shape) GASP! that explains it!!
Other clues: grinding teeth, quick talking, plagued by time and deadlines, always on time (why is this a problem?), everything is an emergency (hmm, but it's true!!)fear, nervousness, increased vigilance, palpitations, headaches, overt activity, irritability (I'm sorry Matthew), and bowel problems. I realize that these are pretty common stress symptoms, but the other types were clearly not me. Next, it went on to list that if nothing is done to bring the body into balance, I'm likely to develop all kinds of terrible healthy problems.
Anywho, the book has been very encouraging and helpful. At least I know I'm a 'type' rather than a freak who can't calm down or stop thinking about work (odd that it never applies to daily chores). It's also helpful for me to know what my tendencies are and how I can combat them. I especially liked the part about the psychology of stress and how we can fool ourselves into believing what they call "crooked thinking". Example: having high expectations of self and others, thinking that the situation is bigger than your coping skills, perceiving only the negatives, catastophizing events, personalizing them, making unrealistic comparisons or getting lost in the what-ifs. I'm guilty of all of it and more, but they teach you to challenge those thoughts by disputing it with a positive alternative and considering effective new approaches to cope with the situation.
That said, I have a few more days until schools starts (6th) and there's this nagging voice (that sounds a lot like mine) telling me I will be jealous for these stretches of time and that I should have done XYZ if only I had thought of it... but alas, I'm out of thoughts! I just want to start already!
Now, class, what would be the correct response in Rebekah's situation?
Anyone?
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I try to combat "crooked thinking" with Scripture and His promises!! In other words, telling myself the TRUTH!! I see you in alot of those symptoms, and grinding teeth makes me think of other family members too! Some stress is good, and pushes us to do well (some)so there can be positives in there. I'm glad you are finding coping skills and learning to keep things in check. I just don't want you to feel at all discouraged about how the Lord made you! He can channel all your energies and "overt actions" into lots of good that will glorify Him!! Love you, Mom
ReplyDeleteTrust Jesus: Phil 4: 6 - 9 ~ esp. the part about "practice these things" in verse 9b! Love you, dad
ReplyDeleteThe ideas are pretty good, but remember, the only way to really change is with the help of the Holy Spirit. That is what makes us different, we have Him. :o)
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