Natural Stressors

ByDr. Glen Reed Posted on Updated on

Good morning everyone! Dr. Glen here, back with another Monday Morning Motivation. The holidays are less than a week away, and for many of us, it’s the most stressful time of year. So today, let’s talk about our mental and emotional well-being, particularly in relation to stress.

Natural vs Unnatural Stressors

Firstly, it’s important to distinguish between natural and unnatural stressors. Natural stressors are necessary for our growth and development. They come from our organic environment, are predictable, short-lived, and are usually dealt with at a community level.

Unnatural stressors, on the other hand, are synthetic and complex. They include things like career stress and financial stress, which are long-term issues that we often deal with alone, without community support. Unfortunately, these unnatural stressors are especially prevalent during the holiday season1.

Managing Unnatural Stressors

So how do we manage these stressors? Here are a few suggestions:

Set a Schedule: One of the biggest sources of random stress comes from our devices. Our bodies struggle to adapt to this unpredictable stress. To combat this, set a schedule for when you’ll check your emails or social media. This gives your body a chance to predict when these stressors are coming, allowing it to respond in a healthier way.

Increase Organic Stress: Another effective way to manage stress is by incorporating more organic stress into our lives. The best way to do this is by getting out into the natural environment. Go for a walk in the rain, take off your shoes and walk through the lawn, or simply spend time in a forest. These positive, natural stressors can help fill up your stores of resilience before they get depleted by unnatural stressors.

Build Your Community: Lastly, remember the importance of community. We’re not meant to deal with stress alone. Reach out to your friends, family, and community for support during stressful times.

Remember, the holidays should be a time of joy, not stress. Take care of your mental and emotional well-being this holiday season, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.