I Spy with my Little Eye…Stress

Our surroundings are ever changing. The hustle and bustle of life is a constant juggling act that looks different from day to day. And of course, it’s not uncommon that stress finds its way in the midst of it all. Stress is truly the body’s way of responding to any demand for change¹. However, it’s important to note, that when the body undergoes constant and strenuous changes due to this innate response, the body may suffer, both mentally and physically. Therefore, it’s important to check in with the body when feeling overwhelmed or stressed, but it’s equally as important to assess our environment for our stress triggers. 

Because of our uniqueness and individuality, one person might be in the same environment as another yet their experience and  perceptions of their surroundings may differ significantly. The same could be said in regards to stress. Some people may find it stressful to be around a large group of people while others may find themselves stressed during times of isolation. Another person might feel overwhelmed when their space isn’t tidy or organized while someone else might be stressed in environments that are too rigid and structured. But no matter how our body interprets our surroundings and the daily challenges of life, ensuring that we are in tune with ourselves enough to identify what causes us to be stressed and overwhelmed to begin with, is extremely important. What is it about this particular place or thing that makes you feel overwhelmed? Can you pinpoint what exactly is causing feelings of discomfort? Are there things that could be changed that might lessen the burden of stress?  Once we are able to identify and spot out the trigger, we more so have the ability to be proactive in the way we manage our stress.