Pride News Canada's Leader In African Canadian & Caribbean News, Views & Lifestyle
By Ettie Rutherford
Contributing Columnist
One of the most negative effects of today’s fast-paced world, is the wide-spread epidemic of stress in every-day life. Although everyone experiences stress, to some degree, the way we respond makes a big difference to our overall well-being.
The fact that stress affects us — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually — has not made us more adept at seeking remedies to lessen its effects. Rather, there seems to be far too many, who accept stress as a natural way of living.
Sadly, some people wear stress as a badge of honor, believing that repeatedly telling others how “stressed out” they are, will make it seem as if they are super-busy, super-important and super-achievers, instead of focusing on managing stress or changing the situation.
So, let us decide to fight stress by:
> Developing a clear understanding of how stress impacts physical and mental health.
> Deciding that a stress-free life is not an option; it is an imperative.
> Taking personal responsibility for reducing stress. Stop blaming everyone else.
> Seeking help to identify and deal with unavoidable stress.
> Deciding to RESPOND instead of RE-ACT to stressful situations.
> Engaging in practical solutions, such as: exercising, reading, journaling, praying, listening to music and engaging in community activities.
> Refusing to live as a professional victim.
> Acknowledging that you, and you, and you, as worthy people, deserve to live a stress-free life.
Get rid of the thorn and smell the rose. You can do it! Jesus died on the cross to ensure happy lives, not stressed-out existences
In Sisterhood!
Ettie
Award-winning Ettie Rutherford, B.Ed, Dip.Ed, M.Ed, is an educator, life coach, consultant and author of “Why Perch Like A Chick When You Can Soar Like An Eagle?”. An accomplished public speaker, Ettie is the Founder and CEO of Women Are Worthy, which provides step-by-step strategies for women to achieve their goals, with a minimum amount of stress. She can be reached at ettie@womenrworthy.com
