Strengthening You
Diving into Stress: A Playful Exploration of Acute vs. Chronic
Hey there, beautiful humans! April is Stress Awareness Month… so buckle up. We're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the wild world of stress—but fear not, because we will make sure you’re equipped with all the knowledge to navigate the twists and turns by the end!
Acute Stress: The Roller Coaster Ride Picture this: You're standing at the top of a roller coaster, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping. That's acute stress for you! It's the quick, intense burst of tension we feel when faced with something like a looming deadline, a surprise pop quiz, or a sudden encounter with a spider (yikes!).
Acute stress kicks our bodies into high gear with the "fight or flight" response, ready to take on whatever challenge lies ahead. The good news is, once the coaster ride is over—once that deadline is met, or the spider is safely escorted outside—our bodies quickly return to normal, and we're left with nothing but a wild tale to tell.
Chronic Stress: The Never-Ending Story Now, imagine you're stuck in an endless loop of bumper cars, going round and round with no end in sight. That's chronic stress, my friends. It's the long-term, ongoing strain that comes from dealing with persistent issues like a job you dread, money troubles, or relationship drama.
Unlike acute stress, which comes and goes like a gust of wind, chronic stress sticks around like that one song you just can't get out of your head. It keeps our stress response systems revved up for the long haul, which can take a toll on our bodies and minds over time. It's like trying to sprint a marathon—eventually, something's gotta give!
Navigating the Stress Maze: Tips and Tricks Now that we've explored the differences between acute and chronic stress, how do we steer our stress train in the right direction? Don’t worry, fellow humans, because I have some quick tricks to share.
For acute stress, think of it as a game of whack-a-mole—quick, intense bursts that we can tackle head-on with strategies like deep breathing (a powerful pause consisting of closing your eyes, doing two deep breaths and saying “I am safe”), a good laugh, or a dance party in your living room. Sometimes even a brisk walk outside can work wonders. Embrace the adrenaline rush and ride the wave 'til it crashes.
When it comes to chronic stress, it's all about playing the long game. Allow yourself to take breaks, set healthy boundaries for work and relationships, and remember that it's okay to ask for help when the going gets tough. Use some visualization and picture yourself as a stress-busting superhero, armed with resilience and a killer self-care routine.
The Grand Finale: Stress-Free Living As our stress-filled adventure ends, remember that we're all on this wild ride together. Whether you're facing the ups and downs of acute stress or navigating the twists and turns of chronic stress, take a moment to remind yourself that you DO have what it takes to conquer the stress monster 😊
So, beautiful humans, let's ride the stress wave like the superheroes we are. With a playful spirit and a few tricks up our sleeves, we'll conquer any challenge that comes our way and emerge stronger, happier, and ready for whatever lies ahead!
Hello beautiful human. I'm Alyssa Spaw! In the most simple terms, I am a certified personal trainer and wellness speaker in the St. Petersburg, FL area. Pleased to meet you! I want to be there to help you set and achieve your goals. I want to help you stay accountable and never lose hope in your ability to succeed. With the strength in your mind comes the strength in your body! For more information visit my website: