Managing Your Stress in a 24/7 World

13th April, 2011 - Posted by L. John Mason -

Before the “Information Age” erupted in the late 1970’s, our lives were not driven by 24/7 communication technology. We did have telephones but many of the technologies we now take for granted were not then available. There were no: cell phones, pagers, fax machines, internet, personal computers, I-Pods, e-mail, instant messaging, even as many answering machines (and voice mail prisons…) We had vinyl records, 4 or 8 track taped music, and an expanding 24/7 television industry. In our physical evolutionary process, we dealt with stress by drinking, smoking, going fishing/hunting/golfing/camping, and the occasional prescription medication. In the 1950’s, before the nuclear crisis, social unrest, and Vietnam “action”, my parents had an after work “cocktail hour” where they sat in the living room (no TV), drank a cocktail, smoked cigaretts (to breathe slowly,) and de-briefed as they discussed their day. After this break, we had dinner together, with NO TV, and got on with our evenings. 3,000 years ago, the family unit would sit around a fire and share stories to continue any oral history traditions that existed. It was a more simple life style. I am not saying we should go back to sitting around the campfire, but are our bodies and our lives really ready for 24/7 technologies and non-stop, instantaneous communications. Just because technology exists, does this mean we MUST participate???

There are technology programs that now exist to help us relax. Some are good like the Wild Divine, HeartMath, and biofeedback technologies. Some are not as good like video gaming. We are in a period of transition into the Information Age and using these technologies APPROPRIATELY and with proper healthy restraints still has to be more fully understood and developed. Time will tell whether we evolve into Cyber-humans who control technologies with telepathic thoughts or whether we just get fat and lazy and are over-run by cockroaches and other vermin.

I want to believe that we still require face to face human interaction and occasional sunshine on our faces as we interact with natural beauties. Perhaps there will still be a need for a walk along the water or a visit to the forest or and experience the appreciation of clouds blowing across an otherwise blue sky. People will gather to politely discuss philosophies and quality one-on-one time will not be just for time with your psychotherapist or family counselor.

Take 20 minutes EACH DAY, to celebrate your life by meditating or practicing stress management. Get 30+ minutes of exercise 4-5 times per week ( hopefully outdoors.) Get 8 hours of sleep. And share a meal with your friends or family several times a week. Avoid smoking. Avoid fast-foods. Avoid “texting” or cellphone use in church, at meals, in class, in bed, while driving, at the movies, and while spending time with your children. Your un-divided attention is required at some times so learn how to turn off your technology.

Find what you need to do to TAKE GOOD CARE of yourself! Each of us are different and we each require different activities to keep us healthy and most productive. If you do not know how to do this for yourself, contact a coach or health educator and get the assistance you require, NOW, before life takes a toll on you, unnecessarily…

Please take good care of yourself. Contact the Stress Education Center at www.dstress.com for information and support.