Are You Storing Stress in Your Body?

Some time ago I learned about the power of compounding interest and its positive effects when applied to the growth of personal finances.  Interest that is consistently calculated on top of previous interests makes for a hefty outcome over time.  However, there is a compounding interest that isn’t so healthy for us.  And, no, I’m not referring to credit cards…although I’ve had the opportunity to develop a very strong dislike of those as well.  But that’s another story.  The compounding interest I’m referring to is STRESS.  Just like financial interest, over time it continues to build and build.  And unless payment is made toward the principle here and there, you can expect massive amounts of overload at some point.

It may be a little hard to believe, but any type of worry, grief, trauma, or overall stress that is experienced in life with little to no rehabilitation remains with you.  Hey, and don’t forget about the interest!  Past stresses are constantly compounding upon your current stresses.  It amazes me how often we go day to day and pay hardly any attention to the signs our bodies show.  They really do speak to us in the most profound ways, yet we become accustomed to ignoring ourselves and pushing on despite our best interests. 

You know, it’s been said that stress is the number one killer.  A silent killer, in fact!  When you look at it, it’s not so farfetched.  Stress can rear its ugly head in many ways…lowered immune system, emotional imbalance, mental instability, and even physical pain.  I’ve experienced stress on almost all of these levels, and I intend to expound on my personal experience in another entry very soon.  As for this post, I’ll be sticking to the latter symptom, as it may be the easiest to combat quickly on your own. 

Physical pain is often a telltale sign of things to come.  In some cases, it is an alarm system informing you of an issue that is already at work.  Stress – whether encountered on the job, in familial relationships, financial problems, personal loss, worry, etc. – can store mental and emotional burdens in the body for years.  If you are anything like I was, you probably overlook or ignore physical pains that cause discomfort on a daily basis.  It sneaks up on you over the years.  It eases up on you almost unrecognizably, and to the point that you simply dismiss it without thought.  I urge and encourage you to listen to your body and pay very close attention to the way you feel.  It could save your life…at the very least, your sanity. 

I coped with discomfort in my neck, shoulders, and back for years before I began to associate it with my personal stresses.  Even after this realization, I failed to care for myself the way I should have.  All of a sudden, I hit a brick wall!! Now, again, I will cover my brick wall experience in a completely different post.  And, trust me…it deserves its own dedicated spot in the lineup.  But for now, at the very least, I hope to help others with some acknowledgment of the issue and offer some pointers on how to begin the processes of easing the physical aspect of the pain.

Physical pain isn’t just physical.  It may often manifest out of the heart and mind.  We carry the spiritual and emotional burdens of our lives on our shoulders each and every day.  When we lack the stress management and alleviation practices we need to thrive, our abilities to cope diminish over time and leave us susceptible to a number of attacks.  In my opinion, there are a few reasonable practices that can be incorporated into our daily lives that will improve our well-being.  The best part…they’re free!!  These simple practices are consistent stretching, massage, breath exercise, and meditation.  There are more, but let’s stick with these for starters.

If you find your shoulders easing up toward your ears and your chin lurching upward toward the sky, you’ve probably got some stress…not to mention some neck and shoulder pain.  While this is often a pretty common example, many don’t realize they fall into this category until they step back and take an honest evaluation of themselves.  Is this not you?  Back pain, soreness or stiffness of the hip flexors, sensitivity of the sternum, and even hand or wrist pain could be signs of stress in the body as well.  It simply depends on the person.  Lengthening the affected muscle(s) and self-massaging can promote a more natural placement of the muscle and encourage blood flow to the area.  You may use your hands, a wall, or even a tennis ball for massage therapy in many of these areas.  Be creative!  If you can afford professional massage therapy at least once a month, that would be great.  However, if you’re willing to make a small investment, there are several alternatives such as foam rollers that are effective as well.

Breathing exercises help in several ways, but there are two reasons this method has been most helpful to me.  First, focused breathing helps me take my mind off of worry and instead center my thoughts on the physical needs of that very moment.  Second, it calms the heart rate and helps to ease stress elevations that may increase muscle tensions.  Breathing exercises can be practiced anywhere at any time and you don’t have to worry about anyone looking at you strange.  That is…if you care about that in the first place (wink!).

Finally, meditation…probably my favorite.  I first started meditating as a means of helping me get a good night’s rest.  I still do this as needed, but I’ve come to realize that it is much more. 

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” -1 Corinthians 2:14

Meditation takes us to another place that is deep inside the mind.  Personally, I believe this to be the truest place.  I’ve come to understand that we are all spiritual beings having a physical experience.  Therefore, when we commune with the Most High, it is done in the spiritual realm, where all divine wisdom is communicated.  This is to be spiritually-minded.  Once we tap into this realm, all things, through Him, can be manifested in the physical.  Through prayer and meditation, I have come to experience the most profound peace and gratitude.  Just being present in the right now helps to relieve the mind and body of stress. 

I encourage you to try meditation if you have not done so already.  Don’t be discouraged if you feel weird during the first several tries.  Just continue to push through it.  Remember, it’s not about being perfect.  Simply ask God for guidance, relax, and allow.  There are several guided meditations that can be found on different platforms.  One of my favorites is an app by the name of Insight Timer.  You can find literally thousands of meditations that suit every need you can possibly imagine.  There are options for guided meditations as well as self-designed meditations for you to develop, too.  Access to Insight Timer is made available through membership and non-membership options.  Another favorite of mine is an app by the name of Awakenings by the beautiful Ms. Iyanla Vanzant.  Truly a wonderful woman of God!  Ms. Iyanla offers weekly devotions to meditate on that challenge and inspire.  These are two of my favorites and I certainly recommend that you try them both. 

Stress is nothing to play with.  It can literally wreak havoc on our lives if not kept under control.  Ultimately, all of these suggestions help to initiate the parasympathetic system.  When we run on all cylinders at all times, we have a tendency to overwork the adrenals and potentially contribute to issues we need not have.  Stress is just one of them…but a big one!  We must remember, though, that this is an animal that must be approached from all angles.  What we’ve discussed here today is just one aspect.  You must also attack the root cause of your mental, emotional, and/or spiritual torment.  These are challenges that take time, but are well worth the journey.  Until the next entry, I pray my words will spark some reevaluation in your lives if needed.  I encourage you to listen to yourselves because you’re smarter than you know!  Our bodies never lie…we need only listen.  May God continue to bless you all…Much love!