Do you know anyone who does not have stress? Stress plays a significant role in our response to situations or stimuli that necessitate us to escape from danger. This response is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which governs essential bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and digestion. You may already be familiar with the two branches of the autonomic nervous system – the sympathetic branch, also known as the “flight or fight” response, and the parasympathetic branch, often referred to as the “rest and digest” response.

When we find ourselves in stressful conditions, our sympathetic nervous system becomes activated. However, once the stressful event has passed, the parasympathetic system takes over and enables us to return to a state of restfulness. Unfortunately, in cases where chronic, long-term stress persists, this normal response becomes disrupted, leading to imbalances that can cause various health issues. It is crucial, therefore, to identify the root causes of these stressors, which can stem from factors such as work, personal relationships, or environmental circumstances. Only by understanding the origin of these feelings can appropriate measures be taken to address them. We do have to realize that stress in itself is not necessarily the problem. It is our perception and response to stressful events that truly matters. How we interpret and handle stress can greatly impact our performance and resilience. A prime example of individuals who thrive under immense stress are Navy SEALs. These elite military personnel undergo rigorous training and face high-stakes situations regularly. Rather than being overwhelmed by stress, they are trained to embrace it and use it as a catalyst for growth and improved performance. The intense stress they experience during training and missions pushes them to their limits, both physically and mentally, ultimately making them stronger and more capable. By reframing stress as a challenge rather than a threat, they harness its energy to enhance their focus, decision-making, and overall performance. This example highlights the importance of mindset and resilience in effectively dealing with stress and transforming it into a catalyst for personal growth and success. So how can we be like Navy SEALs? The effective ways of dealing with stress are unique to each person – for me, it is walking barefoot on the grass, smell of our pine trees and freshly-cut grass, digging in my garden with my hands while listening to the birds and our farm animals under the blue skies with the sun rays on my skin. It helps me to reconnect with our Creator and the Mother Nature and recognize that no matter how big my issues seem to be at the moment, everything will work out at the end and I have so much to be grateful for. We known that gratitude involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, which can shift focus away from stressors and promote a more positive mindset. It helps cultivate a sense of contentment and reduces the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts. Similarly, spirituality provides us with a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to something greater than ourselves. There are numerous techniques available to manage anxiety and stress effectively. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation methods, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help alleviate physical symptoms associated with stress, such as a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Additionally, research has shown that self-care practices and positive social relationships can be effective in managing stress and it also revealed that having good social relationships is associated with a reduced risk of mortality.