Is stress the disease of the 21st century?
This misconception is doubly inaccurate. On the one hand, stress has always existed. It was he who made our ancestors run fast enough when a ferocious beast seemed ready to attack them. On the other hand, stress is not an illness. It is a physiological (natural) reaction of our body to a perceived danger. What is fair, however, is that the stressin its modern version can more easily become chronic and therefore harmful. Our ancestors, always them, had time to breathe between two dangers. Today, it’s different: because the “threat” is essentially social, you have to perform constantly and in all areas of your life, the pressure never really drops.
If it is a defense mechanism, how can we act against it?
It is indeed an automatic reaction over which we do not necessarily have a grip once it is triggered. No need, therefore, to self-flagellate when you feel the stress rising. Or to envy those whom nothing ever seems to reach. We do not all resist the same (potentially) stressful situations in the same way. Like our DNA code or our fingerprints, we also have our way of reacting to stress.
Is there nothing you can do when you are very sensitive to stress?
Fortunately, it is. It is quite possible to increase your resistance threshold. This sometimes goes through large questionedand profound changes. But before starting any work, alone or with others, it is essential to get to know yourself. Keeping in mind a very important point: the other is not stressful, it is us who are stressed. This thought allows you to no longer feel a victim.
Are meditation and yoga the right answers?
Their popularity shows how beneficial these activities can be. But they are not suitable for everyone. Some people will be much more relaxed going for a run twice a week. But cardio activities, such as jogging or bike, are not necessarily the panacea either for people who tend to dwell. Better that they practice a team sport and go out with friends. Hence the importance of knowing yourself. To be considered as anti-stress, an activity must reconcile an action of the body and concentration. Even if it is relaxing, watching a movie does not fall into this category, whereas knit, gardening or coloring, yes!
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