A lecture was given to help students conceptualize how they hold on to stress and how it can have a negative impact on them. The professor started by filling a glass with water and asking students how heavy it was. After a few guesses he paused and emphasized that it is not the weight of the glass that matters but how heavy it feels to our arm after a period of time. If we hold onto the glass of water for an extended period, say 4 hours, our arms will become weak and shaky. If we hold onto the glass for an entire day our arm is likely to go numb from the perceived weight and discomfort the glass has imposed on our arm. The same is true of how we hold on to stress.
Stress can be consuming, it can take hold of you and not allow you to navigate your day to day routine. We often allow stress to build up and are unable to find the relief that we need until all of our stressors pour out at once. As the lecture alluded, holding onto the glass of water (ie. our stress) is unhealthy and at times debilitating. We do not notice this when it comes to stress as stress manifests in a more covert way. It takes time for us to detect the stressors until they have consumed our thoughts and our wants.
Some stress is good stress. It is part of evolution - stress began as a way to keep humans alive, a part of our fight or flight response. Now, in the 21st century, stress has become a deterrent, keeping us from taking risks or enjoying opportunities in front of us.
There are ways to actively minimize feelings of stress. One of which is to “put the glass down” and feel the relief of letting it go by talking to a trusted friend, therapist, or family member. Another way is to meditate. Close your eyes and sit in a comfortable position. Acknowledge your stressors, but do not give them any attention - as if they are just a butterfly passing by your head. If you have any residents that appear to have difficulty managing stress, please refer them for mental health services. We are here to help!