Feeling Stressed? Try This.

As a writer, I feel stressed the most in two situations:

1. When nothing comes to mind about the topic.
2. When something is in mind but not able to express in words.

Some may call it writer’s block. I say - Stress.

Whenever it happens, I take a nap or go out for a walk.

How Nap Helps?

"Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is take a nap. It's not a sign of laziness but a testament to the wisdom of giving your mind and body the rest they need to thrive."

Closes Sensory Input

Stress happens when you think.

Thinking is triggered by information we consume with our eyes or ears or both.

When we sleep, both of these receptors are closed, stopping new information.

We become calmer, and anxiety levels drop.

Energy Restoration

Sleep allows the body to conserve and restore energy.

Waking up from a well-rested sleep or nap provides physical and mental refreshment. It's like resetting our energy levels.

New perspectives are born on the same thing that was stressing us before the nap.

When there is a fight with a spouse, I try to take a nap, and the fight is over.

Restoration of Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are essential for regulating mood, and their replenishment contributes to an improved emotional state.

Serotonin and dopamine are crucial chemical messengers.

Sleep restores and replenishes both of these neurotransmitters.

So, the next time you are feeling ‘Writer’s block’, take a nap.

How Walk Helps?

"If you're in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you're still in a bad mood, go for another walk." - Hippocrates

Chemicals

Endorphins, Serotonin, and Dopamine - neurotransmitters that help in keeping us stress-free.

Physical activities help regulate these neurotransmitters.

Endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" neurotransmitters, are produced in response to stress and pain and act as natural painkillers.

They are released during physical activity. “Runner’s high” is a well-known example of the release of endorphins during aerobic exercise.

Serotonin contributes to the regulation of mood, emotion, and appetite. It is associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.

Sunlight is a key factor in serotonin synthesis.

Dopamine plays a key role in the brain's reward system.

The sense of accomplishment and pleasure derived from physical activity contributes to the release of dopamine.

Oxygen Supply

Physical activity increases blood flow, improving oxygen supply to the brain, tissues, and body.

It enhances cognitive functions, creating a sense of alertness and vitality, contributing to a more positive mood.

Cortisol Reduction

Stress is related to cortisol.

When stressed, the body releases a lot of cortisol, affecting metabolism, the immune system, circadian rhythm, and blood pressure regulation.

Physical activity reduces cortisol, reducing stress.

Circadian Rhythm Circulation

The circadian rhythm is the body's internal clock influencing sleep-wake cycles.

Going out in the daytime exposes us to sunlight, making us feel awake and alert.

Natural light helps in making melatonin, which helps in preparing for sleep.

It is mostly produced in the evening and night, a result of natural light during the daytime.

Hence, you get better quality sleep, beneficial for overall well-being.

Takeaway

Next time when you feel things are going south, and you feel stressed, do either of these activities and see the result for yourself.

I am yet to meet a person who has a negative impact on these two activities.

I follow this when stressed:

If sleepy, then sleep.

If not, go out.

How do you manage your stress?