Balancing Stresses

Balancing stresses by Osteopath Florence Leo

Hong kong is a bustling city, with a somewhat demanding rhythm. It is easy to stretch oneself too thin and to over do it.

Identifying the different types of stresses can be very helpful in managing oneself and interacting with your loved ones.

POSTIVE STRESS

What is it: Fundamentally, we need some of it just to breath or for getting up in the morning. Like everything, being careful of not having too much of a good thing is key.

This type of stress relies on the wellknown "fear/fight flight mechanism" ( adrenal function excreting cortisol). We use it to run after our bus, organizing the week. for after work activities, when exercising at the gym etc.

Signs of Positive Stress fatigue: tension (mind and/or body), recurrent muscle strain, fatigue

Managing strategies: Sleep - Sleep - Sleep (I know, written 3 times but cannot be overstated!), Allow active recovery days when training a lot, step back and write things down, cook, take up a hobby, take a bath, enjoy relaxing in the sun a bit.

NEGATIVE STRESS

Wat is it: This is our physiological brake, it works in tandem with positive stress.

Negative stress is what allows us to maintain focus and stability when sitting in a meeting or when relaxing while reading a book.

When dominant, this is related to freezing (think deer in the headlights), and repetitive addictive behaviour, such as overeating, smoking etc.

Managing strategies: keep warm, get hugs, do breathing exercises, coordination type exercises (yoga, pilates), meditation, taking saunas, using weighted blankets.

SOCIAL STRESS

I see it as a modulator between positive and negative stress that allows us to find balance between our own needs and the needs of others.

ThIS is the stress that allows us to assess where we are in terms of positive and negative stress. Crucial in deepening social bonds and personal balance.

When overstimulated: monkey mind, butterfly socializer or 'tortoise withdrawing' if too much activity or people.

Managing strategies: Allowing 'me' time, engaging with beautiful and meaningful things.

A few suggestions are diary keeping, drawing, dancing, climbing, soft martial arts, music, hiking etc.

Just like in the drawing above, its important to keep a balance between those 3 stresses, to find an equilibrium between the 2 nervous systems and find optimal health.

Written by Florence Leo, Osteopath.