Living Healthy
STRESS - The good, the bad, and the ugly
Sherry Taylor - 04/10/2026
SOME STRESS IS GOOD
I heard someone telling about a study that scientists did on trees. They planted several trees in a green house. They made sure it had plenty of sunlight. They made sure they used correctly balanced soil. They made sure the water was just right. And the trees grew beautifully. Until they got to a certain height. Then all the trees began to bend over.
The scientists realized that even though all the needs of the trees had been taken care of, the one thing that seemed like a problem - a stress- was the one thing the trees needed. I'm sure you've guessed what it was.
The wind. The wind blowing on baby trees makes their trunks stronger. They "build up a resistance" .
As I think about this, I understand that it's true in our lives as well. There is such a thing as too much wind.. we've seen what tornadoes can do.
And there's times that we have to ask for help when life overwhelms us. But for the most part the things that life throws our way just makes us a stronger person.
The same way we build up muscle. Repeated use and strain makes us strong.
What I've learned over the years from the "school of hard knocks " just gives me knowledge and compassion to help someone else. If I'm toughened up maybe I can give a hand to someone who is weaker than I.
Since I went through depression I understand how that feels. I know how it hurts to lose a mom. I understand the pain of someone hurting me. I think it's made me stronger and more beautiful.
THE BAD KIND OF STRESS
Years ago when we heard the word 'stress', it was a newish term. Most of us didn't even know what it really meant. As the years have gone by, and more and more 'stressors' are thrown at us, we've reached the place where all of us are familiar with stress, and most of us have suffered from it.
Some sources say at least a third of all adults are concerned about their stress levels. In my opinion, over half of adults are struggling with stress even if they are not acknowledging that they have a problem.
It is totally ironic, that with all the inventions that have been made in the last 100 years to make our lives easier, it seems that we are busier, sicker, and more stressed than ever.
Check out this list of symptoms that can be caused by stress.
- feelings of fear, shock, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, frustration
- changes in appetite, energy, interests
- difficulty sleeping, concentrating, making decisions
- physical issues : headaches, body pains, stomach problems, skin rashes
- increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
- worsening chronic health problems
- worsening mental health problems
Most people do not attribute these things to stress. They may not have realized that the symptoms are worse on the days that the stressors are worse. There have been many times that someone went to the doctor thinking they were having a heart attack, or they've had anxiety attacks because of stress. While stress can get you down, and even send you to the doctor, there are ways to deal with it:
Take Christmas, for example.
Christmas time is a wonderful time, but it can be extremely stressful trying to get everything done and go to all the parties and programs. Christmas should be a joyful, happy time. If you are one of those who think you don't like Christmas anymore, you may be over stressed. 
Refer to the above list 
The Solution
There is good news, though. There are supplements that can help your body cope with stress. There are also changes you can make in your daily routines that will reduce stress. Your environment plays a big part in your health. Your mind, body, and environment need to be balanced.
Here are things you can do to minimize the stress in your life or help you to manage it:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news.
- Make time to unwind and breathe deeply.
- Have alone time, but don't isolate.
- Connect with those you love and ask for help.
- Make time to play.
- Know your boundaries (when it's time to stop)
- Learn to say NO to things that stress you and YES to things that make you well
Take care of your body in these 5 ways:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Make time for at least 10 minutes per day of exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Follow a daily routine - mornings, bedtime, and mealtimes
- Find time to meditate or pray, and allow your mind to be quiet
Be grateful
Here are a few supplements that reduce stress from the inside out:
- Ashwagandha
- Coenzyme B complex
- Magnesium
- Saffron
- L-Theanine
- Passionflower and Lemon balm
- Having that cup of hot herbal tea can be very helpful as well.
Let's look at another angle.
The definition of distraction- Any event that interrupts a mental process.
Think about applying this to stress. If you feel stressed... the fight or flight syndrome... or maybe the run ragged syndrome... or the exasperated with everyone syndrome... let's make a distraction.
Get your mind out of that tract. Stop what you're doing (unless you're driving). Tell yourself out loud... I am beautiful! I am valuable to the world. Ive got this!
- Walk outside and breathe some fresh air.
- Write some poetry in your journal.
- Go find the cat or dog and pet them.
- Go look at a picture of the one you're annoyed with and think of a funny memory.
- Take 7 long deep breaths.
I'm pretty sure one of these tricks will work!
Just distract your mind and you can feel the stress melt away.
I wish you a beautiful rest of your life, not overwhelmed by stress, but strengthened by it!