Stress: It’s How You Respond That Counts

When life gets chaotic, I can get caught up in the drama.

But the drama only leads to a higher blood pressure readings in my doctor’s office, the addition of yet more chemicals to my daily regimen.

Instead of additional chemicals, what I’d rather have happen is be able to handle my stress in a more healthy manner.

Hans Selye, the brilliant Hungarian stress researcher, defines stress as “our body’s response to environmental pressure.”

Ergo, if I respond with anger, it really isn’t the Ex that’s responsible for my rise in BP, rather it’s how I respond to the impossible situation that is to blame.

If I could respond to the stress in my life in a different manner, my blood pressure might not be such a problem. You think?

Of course, I know all the biological and pharmacological mechanisms that may also play a role is hypertension, but for the most part they are not within my control.

But finding a way to become more adept at handling stress is within my control.  I could become quiet more, become aware of my breathing more, become still more.

Enter the insightful words of Leo Babauta of ZenHabits on how to practice becoming still.

How to Practice
Stillness, oddly, doesn’t come naturally to many people. So practice.

1. Start your day in stillness. Whether it’s sitting with a cup of coffee as the world awakes, or sitting on a pillow and focusing on your breath, stillness is a powerful way to start your day. It sets the tone for things to come. Even 5-10 minutes is great.

2. Take regular stillness breaks. Every hour, set an alarm on your computer or phone to go off. Think of it as a bell that rings, reminding you to be still for a minute. During this minute, focus first on your breathing, to bring yourself into the present. Let the worries of the world around you melt away — all that is left is your breath. And then let your focus expand beyond your breath to your other senses, one at a time.

3. When chaos roars, pause. In the middle of a crisis or a noisy day, stop. Be still. Take a deep breath, and focus on that breath coming in, and going out. Find your inner stillness and then let your next action come from that stillness. Focus on that next action only.

Life is stressful.

That’s a true statement because we’re human and we will respond to every bit of stimuli we encounter.  Choosing a wiser response is always what separates the content from the miserable.

I’m beginning to see the wisdom in Leo’s words and making better choices in how I respond the stressors in my life is the beginning of a healthier, happier Solo-Dad.