Today we are going to tackle part 2 of the stress wheel. Spiritual Stress and Chemical Stress. As a reminder, this is a self-assessment tool to help you look at the different versions of stress in your life. More importantly, it helps you look at the action steps you can take to help better manage the various types of stress.
Last time we discussed physical and emotional stress, including the types of stress there are in these categories and how that can impact you. We also talked about tips for coping, so you can create harmony. These practical action steps help you to have a preventative mind-set for stress.
Again, the goal of using this tool is to create more harmony. By looking at each area of potential stress and rating your stress level, you can focus on evening out the low ratings by taking practical action steps to manage that particular stress area.
Let’s look at the last two major categories. I’ll define the type of stress and offer practical suggestions for coping.
Chemical stress
This is a large category, and many people aren’t aware of these stressors.
- Food – processed foods. Coping: If you can’t pronounce the names on the box, avoid it. Shop the parameter of the grocery store, like fresh foods only.
- Environment – work environment and chemicals we are exposed to, like paint, technology materials, etc. Coping: Be aware of the chemicals in your environment, especially if you experience illness in one setting particularly.
- Body care products – shampoos, soaps, toothpastes usually have chemicals in them. Coping: Check the ingredient labels.
- Allergies – some people are allergic to certain chemicals. Coping: Ultimate Health Chiropractic does a hair and saliva test for toxins, to see if you have any toxins built up in your system.
- Toxins – like heavy metals, parasites, molds, etc. Coping: Consider the hair and saliva test for toxins, to see if you have any toxins built up in your system.
- Supplements & Medications – not all are bad, but some may cause issues. Coping: talk to your medical doctor if you are experiencing side effects from medications you are taking.
Spiritual stress
This is your moral code or moral compass. We all have different beliefs, and we could go into many religions here. I will stick to my experience and beliefs. If you experience spiritual stress, there are some questions you can ask yourself:
- What do you believe to be true? Where do you get your truth? Are you doing things that line up with your truth?
- Coping: For me, it’s a relationship based faith. I believe in a higher power, in God and Jesus. More than that, it is a personal relationship with God. That means spending time building the relationship. Prayer is another coping strategy, either praying for myself or others. Listening to positive influences, versus listening to the negative, can help with coping. Many people chose a mentor to help with this stress category. You will have to tweak this for what resonates with you.
As we wrap up, remember the key to using the stress wheel is:
- Recognizing where your stress lies, and naming it.
- Taking practical actions to help manage stress in the categories that are troublesome.
Instead of just saying, “I’m stressed!” Pause to answer why you are stressed and what you can do about it. Look at the different types of stress: physical, emotional, chemical and spiritual stress. Where are you right now in each category? What can you do to cope with that stress?
Feel free to reach out if you would like support in using the stress wheel. I hope you find this tool helpful!