One of the common statistics we hear often from the American Institute of Stress is, how many of our visits to a physician are stress related. Research says 75 to 90% of all the physical stuff we go to the doctor for is rooted in stress. We had already become numb to stress signals in pre-pandemic times. The constant rates of change and uncertainty have disconnected us even further from the signals our body is sending. Not listening, sets us up for doctor visits, costly testing, and dis-ease in the body.
This week on the Less Stress in Life podcast, Co-hosts Barb Fletcher and Deb Timmerman, reminded listeners of the need to pay attention to the physical signs of stress. Ts is important for everyone, by for those working in high stress positions, the reminder is critical. The pair used personal experience to drive home the point of how important it is to tune in and see stress as information.
Headaches and jaw pain drove Fletcher to the dentist 20 years ago. After chewing through three bite plates, and the threat of jaw surgery, she began to explore other options for managing that tension. Today, stress shows up differently in her body and she’s tuned-in to the messages, carefully listening to what her body tells her. Recently, she navigated end-of-life care for her mom during restrictions, and relates that stress showed up as headaches, exhaustion, and an unsettled stomach, even though she had been actively engaged in self-regulation practices.
Fletcher shared that one of the benefits of using self-regulation tools throughout this time was the number of positive experiences and relationships she was able to cultivate with professional staff and caregivers. She was able to have clear and meaningful communications and be there in a beautiful way for her mom. You can listen to the podcast episode here.
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