For undue stress, I identify the cause, decide whether it is within my ability to do something about it. If no, I accept it, and if yes, I take action to try to resolve it. I may not resolve it, but knowing I am trying my best helps relieve the stress. I may talk to others whose opinion I trust to get another opinion.
Doing other things may temporarily alleviate stress in the short term, but I would rather just address things that cause the most undue stress sooner than later.
Performing work before pleasure as a habit is helpful so long as breaks are taken as needed.
Figuring out how to deal with stress is important. I think it's a balance of external/internal locus of control. It also comes down to factors such as catastrophization and having unrealistic or hyperbolic ideations of situations. I certainly know that I tend to catastrophize things and so that's something I need to work on.
I do appreciate the "ripping the bandage" off approach, and that's something I should work on personally as well. it's an issue when one lets something fester and become worse over time.
One of my favorite pictures I found randomly on Flickr. It is of a young girl, smiling, colorfully dressed with dirt from smoke ash strewn across her face, skin, and clothing. She lives on and off a large landfill where families live. She found a large, thin, circular tubing she's standing within and holding at her waist. Maybe it's a part to a car or house, but she's as happy as she can be, she found a new toy, her hula hoop.
This picture I keep in my mind so I can carry always.
What truly is catastrophe? I have a home, I have a job, I have children that can shelter, feed, and keep warm. Far from catastrophic.
I have seen very tough times. Truly from the first memories of life. I recall on this and just seek peace and contentment for myself. I fought hard for it, but then lost it again 2021 because of idiotic, arrogant, and for some evil mandates of an experimental drug. Most days I feel like I'm treading water, but at least I know I am trying the best I can.
Such an interesting description, almost like the epitome of one person's trash being another's treasure. There's something there about finding joy in the little things, or even making do with what's available. It's such a large contrast to modernity and how we continuously need the most up to date things. A bit funny to think about with Christmas approaching.
Thanks for sharing your story Lee. I'm sorry about your previous struggles but I'm glad you are doing well now! I guess this is my time of struggle so we'll see what comes of it. The current situation certainly wasn't something I and many others felt we would be in, and so I guess that's why I want to at least have some level of optimism for how things turn out in the future. I guess we'll see, and I'll try my best as well.
Thank you for your continuing thoughts on this important topic. It bears mentioning that while regular exercise, and even exercising in response to acute stressors, is helpful, exercise is in itself a stressor ( although it usually has hormetic effects) and therefore the intensity and frequency should be modulated depending on degree of chronic stress.
It's certainly true one can overdo exercise. I think many people suffer from the issue of not getting enough of it more than actually overdoing it.
With that being said, it's important to be aware when exercising doesn't have the same return and may actually be related to some sort of physiological burnout.
Excellent summary, thank you! Anecdotally, I lean towards the risk of immune suppression under normal circumstances not being of importance, as athletes don’t tend to display signs and symptoms of it more than others, however immune suppression is a common sign of overtraining. That said, as you point out, for the majority of the population under training certainly constitutes the greater threat.
Athletes are an interest specimen to say the least. The evidence isn't quite there yet to suggest a concern over immune suppression to a severe degree. I do wonder if me working out while having COVID may have contributed to me developing tonsillitis, but an N=1 doesn't quite make for a large enough cohort!
Ironically, I actually made a post a few months back in regards to athletes as well. I'm not sure if you may have seen it but it was in regards to athletes and the sudden cardiac death that's being seen, with my argument being that athletes may not be as healthy as one would initially assume, and that many may actually suffer from a disease known as "athlete's heart":
I probably should have used the word misnomer rather than paradox as the title, but it's another example of how things are a lot more complex than we would initially assume.
Another great overview, thank you for linking to it. In hindsight I realize that I used the word “athlete” too loosely, what I had in mind was ‘regular exercisers’. Competitive athletes are, by definition, not trying to be the best/healthiest version of themselves, but are rather trying to outperform others, no matter the cost. Scarring of marathoner’s hearts, several cardiac arrests on the finish line or during the race, the splintered tibia and fibula of a basketball player due to simply landing after a jump all serve as examples of the potential cost to their health. In a society where obesity and physical inactivity play such an outsized role in morbidity, it is easy to understand that those who are lean and muscular are perceived as specimens of health, often incorrectly so. Flanagan’s book Deep Nutrition has more examples of horrendous diets of some athletes, especially among those hailing from lower socioeconomic groups.
I do disagree with the notion that myo- and pericarditis aren’t caused by the vaccine alone — I believe we have both statistics to prove that and even admissions from vaccine manufacturers themselves — but the high numbers of cardiac arrests and non-fatal emergencies in this population can certainly in part possibly be explained by the factors listed in your piece.
I'm the first one out of the gate. So, I didn't lose interest so much in hobbies (writing & reading fiction) during C19, but since I connected the dots, I have. It is hard to see the point some days. Likewise, I was pursuing more education, but then when I had my awakening, it felt like a waste of time, as what I'd be studying is not in sync with my current reality.
In some respects, I think I handle stress well because I'm still functioning most days, despite this horror movie I can't escape. At other times, however, I don't think I am, as I am irritable far too often (although I try not to let this show in certain circumstances). When stressed, I cope by doing a combination of all that you mentioned: walk/work-out, bike, vent, pray, or tip a few if cocktail hour or beyond (I know, not a good idea). Before bed, I try to listen to some music that makes me happy.
I chose anger for social media, as my facebook friends are mainly not awake. And then there is twitter...I don't engage with trolls or abusive people, but I am frustrated by hypocrites (e.g., politicians) and SJWs.
That's interesting Ms. P. I do understand how it's difficult to read things if one has to question the veracity of the work. I actually have an issue in reading non-fiction now because I feel like I need to check all of the citations in a book even though that's not physically possible (I don't do this with literature reviews even though I cite them often).
The comment about social media is a curious one. I find that when I see ridiculousness it does make me frustrated, but also standing back and seeing the discourse play out is also ridiculous. It's clear not much discourse is happening, and there can be a lot of groupthink dynamics at play on both sides. Personally, going down a rabbit hole on Twitter into negativity was quite dangerous, and quite frankly addicting so in some ways I'm glad I don't have Twitter anymore although it likely is limiting my Substack exposure.
I am a kinesiologist and Neuro-Trainer, we have a lot of techniques that help with stress. The most important one to start with is to hold the front and back of the head while thinking about the problem or stress.
This brings the blood back to the head (when we go into flight / fight it tends to leave the head and goes to the arms and legs ready for fighting or fleeing). Holding the head this way allows us to use the frontal lobes, (creativity, logic and solutions), in fact all parts of the brain, to find a solution to what is going on much more easily. You can use visualisation and many other things with this.
Here is an actual example. I had just witnessed a cat being run over as I was filling up my petrol tank (which was rather traumatic). When I got home I held the front and back of my head, imagined myself sitting in a cinema while I reran what had happened, (in black and white and slightly blurry). Then in my imagination I removed the film from the projector and burnt it, put a new film in the projector and visualised it happening differently. This time in colour and clear and focused, there was still the awful sound of squealing brakes, but the car driver stopped just in time, picked up the cat, and it was OK, just a bit shaken.
Totally untrue, but your subconscious doesn't distinguish between real and imagined and I was no longer affected by what had happened. Try it for yourself!
This is very interesting. Could this be related to the vagus nerve as well? I wonder if this has any associating with coping reflexes.
I'm sorry about seeing the cat being hit. My area has many stray cats and there was one point where many families were freely running around, also meaning that many were struck by cars which is something horrendous to see.
I'll try this and see how it helps. It seems easy enough so why not?
what has been helping me with stress and many other things is my daily chanting, that includes correct breathing (belly breathing, exhaling is much longer than inhaling. also called Buddhist breathing)
Interesting! Have you tried the Windhoff method? I only know of it and that's because of Joe Rogan, but that's a breathing technique that has come into vogue recently hasn't it?
yes, its popular, but its over analysed and promoted as something special. The normal human breathing when you are relaxed is based on the solar plexus, and the exhalation is slower. Its the best. Buddhist breathing, which i was taught during my training as a therapist, is very simple. Do whatever you do while breathing with your belly, and if you need to calm down the body, take deep breaths and then exhale slowly.
I'm sorry for your situation AMZ, although I'm glad that you appear to be doing better! The focus on vitamins is interesting, because it makes me wonder if this is a consequence of modern eating habits. I think I mentioned it somewhere, although it's a common saying in that we are overfed but malnourished. It wouldn't be too far-fetched to wonder if many people are suffering from fewer nutrients.
Stress in all its forms is a biochemical response meaning various signaling pathways and reactions are involved. It's not so much whether the stress is physical or psychological, but if it still activates similar responses which is how we have that similarity in crossover.
For undue stress, I identify the cause, decide whether it is within my ability to do something about it. If no, I accept it, and if yes, I take action to try to resolve it. I may not resolve it, but knowing I am trying my best helps relieve the stress. I may talk to others whose opinion I trust to get another opinion.
Doing other things may temporarily alleviate stress in the short term, but I would rather just address things that cause the most undue stress sooner than later.
Performing work before pleasure as a habit is helpful so long as breaks are taken as needed.
Figuring out how to deal with stress is important. I think it's a balance of external/internal locus of control. It also comes down to factors such as catastrophization and having unrealistic or hyperbolic ideations of situations. I certainly know that I tend to catastrophize things and so that's something I need to work on.
I do appreciate the "ripping the bandage" off approach, and that's something I should work on personally as well. it's an issue when one lets something fester and become worse over time.
One of my favorite pictures I found randomly on Flickr. It is of a young girl, smiling, colorfully dressed with dirt from smoke ash strewn across her face, skin, and clothing. She lives on and off a large landfill where families live. She found a large, thin, circular tubing she's standing within and holding at her waist. Maybe it's a part to a car or house, but she's as happy as she can be, she found a new toy, her hula hoop.
This picture I keep in my mind so I can carry always.
What truly is catastrophe? I have a home, I have a job, I have children that can shelter, feed, and keep warm. Far from catastrophic.
I have seen very tough times. Truly from the first memories of life. I recall on this and just seek peace and contentment for myself. I fought hard for it, but then lost it again 2021 because of idiotic, arrogant, and for some evil mandates of an experimental drug. Most days I feel like I'm treading water, but at least I know I am trying the best I can.
Such an interesting description, almost like the epitome of one person's trash being another's treasure. There's something there about finding joy in the little things, or even making do with what's available. It's such a large contrast to modernity and how we continuously need the most up to date things. A bit funny to think about with Christmas approaching.
Thanks for sharing your story Lee. I'm sorry about your previous struggles but I'm glad you are doing well now! I guess this is my time of struggle so we'll see what comes of it. The current situation certainly wasn't something I and many others felt we would be in, and so I guess that's why I want to at least have some level of optimism for how things turn out in the future. I guess we'll see, and I'll try my best as well.
Thank you for your continuing thoughts on this important topic. It bears mentioning that while regular exercise, and even exercising in response to acute stressors, is helpful, exercise is in itself a stressor ( although it usually has hormetic effects) and therefore the intensity and frequency should be modulated depending on degree of chronic stress.
Thanks Volva. I actually wrote a piece a few months back on exercise immunology and I included a comment about the open window hypothesis.
https://moderndiscontent.substack.com/i/67306959/can-exercise-compromise-the-immune-system-the-open-window-hypothesis
It's certainly true one can overdo exercise. I think many people suffer from the issue of not getting enough of it more than actually overdoing it.
With that being said, it's important to be aware when exercising doesn't have the same return and may actually be related to some sort of physiological burnout.
Excellent summary, thank you! Anecdotally, I lean towards the risk of immune suppression under normal circumstances not being of importance, as athletes don’t tend to display signs and symptoms of it more than others, however immune suppression is a common sign of overtraining. That said, as you point out, for the majority of the population under training certainly constitutes the greater threat.
Athletes are an interest specimen to say the least. The evidence isn't quite there yet to suggest a concern over immune suppression to a severe degree. I do wonder if me working out while having COVID may have contributed to me developing tonsillitis, but an N=1 doesn't quite make for a large enough cohort!
Ironically, I actually made a post a few months back in regards to athletes as well. I'm not sure if you may have seen it but it was in regards to athletes and the sudden cardiac death that's being seen, with my argument being that athletes may not be as healthy as one would initially assume, and that many may actually suffer from a disease known as "athlete's heart":
https://moderndiscontent.substack.com/p/3-the-healthy-athlete-paradox
I probably should have used the word misnomer rather than paradox as the title, but it's another example of how things are a lot more complex than we would initially assume.
Another great overview, thank you for linking to it. In hindsight I realize that I used the word “athlete” too loosely, what I had in mind was ‘regular exercisers’. Competitive athletes are, by definition, not trying to be the best/healthiest version of themselves, but are rather trying to outperform others, no matter the cost. Scarring of marathoner’s hearts, several cardiac arrests on the finish line or during the race, the splintered tibia and fibula of a basketball player due to simply landing after a jump all serve as examples of the potential cost to their health. In a society where obesity and physical inactivity play such an outsized role in morbidity, it is easy to understand that those who are lean and muscular are perceived as specimens of health, often incorrectly so. Flanagan’s book Deep Nutrition has more examples of horrendous diets of some athletes, especially among those hailing from lower socioeconomic groups.
I do disagree with the notion that myo- and pericarditis aren’t caused by the vaccine alone — I believe we have both statistics to prove that and even admissions from vaccine manufacturers themselves — but the high numbers of cardiac arrests and non-fatal emergencies in this population can certainly in part possibly be explained by the factors listed in your piece.
I'm the first one out of the gate. So, I didn't lose interest so much in hobbies (writing & reading fiction) during C19, but since I connected the dots, I have. It is hard to see the point some days. Likewise, I was pursuing more education, but then when I had my awakening, it felt like a waste of time, as what I'd be studying is not in sync with my current reality.
In some respects, I think I handle stress well because I'm still functioning most days, despite this horror movie I can't escape. At other times, however, I don't think I am, as I am irritable far too often (although I try not to let this show in certain circumstances). When stressed, I cope by doing a combination of all that you mentioned: walk/work-out, bike, vent, pray, or tip a few if cocktail hour or beyond (I know, not a good idea). Before bed, I try to listen to some music that makes me happy.
I chose anger for social media, as my facebook friends are mainly not awake. And then there is twitter...I don't engage with trolls or abusive people, but I am frustrated by hypocrites (e.g., politicians) and SJWs.
That's interesting Ms. P. I do understand how it's difficult to read things if one has to question the veracity of the work. I actually have an issue in reading non-fiction now because I feel like I need to check all of the citations in a book even though that's not physically possible (I don't do this with literature reviews even though I cite them often).
The comment about social media is a curious one. I find that when I see ridiculousness it does make me frustrated, but also standing back and seeing the discourse play out is also ridiculous. It's clear not much discourse is happening, and there can be a lot of groupthink dynamics at play on both sides. Personally, going down a rabbit hole on Twitter into negativity was quite dangerous, and quite frankly addicting so in some ways I'm glad I don't have Twitter anymore although it likely is limiting my Substack exposure.
I am a kinesiologist and Neuro-Trainer, we have a lot of techniques that help with stress. The most important one to start with is to hold the front and back of the head while thinking about the problem or stress.
This brings the blood back to the head (when we go into flight / fight it tends to leave the head and goes to the arms and legs ready for fighting or fleeing). Holding the head this way allows us to use the frontal lobes, (creativity, logic and solutions), in fact all parts of the brain, to find a solution to what is going on much more easily. You can use visualisation and many other things with this.
Here is an actual example. I had just witnessed a cat being run over as I was filling up my petrol tank (which was rather traumatic). When I got home I held the front and back of my head, imagined myself sitting in a cinema while I reran what had happened, (in black and white and slightly blurry). Then in my imagination I removed the film from the projector and burnt it, put a new film in the projector and visualised it happening differently. This time in colour and clear and focused, there was still the awful sound of squealing brakes, but the car driver stopped just in time, picked up the cat, and it was OK, just a bit shaken.
Totally untrue, but your subconscious doesn't distinguish between real and imagined and I was no longer affected by what had happened. Try it for yourself!
This is very interesting. Could this be related to the vagus nerve as well? I wonder if this has any associating with coping reflexes.
I'm sorry about seeing the cat being hit. My area has many stray cats and there was one point where many families were freely running around, also meaning that many were struck by cars which is something horrendous to see.
I'll try this and see how it helps. It seems easy enough so why not?
what has been helping me with stress and many other things is my daily chanting, that includes correct breathing (belly breathing, exhaling is much longer than inhaling. also called Buddhist breathing)
Interesting! Have you tried the Windhoff method? I only know of it and that's because of Joe Rogan, but that's a breathing technique that has come into vogue recently hasn't it?
yes, its popular, but its over analysed and promoted as something special. The normal human breathing when you are relaxed is based on the solar plexus, and the exhalation is slower. Its the best. Buddhist breathing, which i was taught during my training as a therapist, is very simple. Do whatever you do while breathing with your belly, and if you need to calm down the body, take deep breaths and then exhale slowly.
I'm sorry for your situation AMZ, although I'm glad that you appear to be doing better! The focus on vitamins is interesting, because it makes me wonder if this is a consequence of modern eating habits. I think I mentioned it somewhere, although it's a common saying in that we are overfed but malnourished. It wouldn't be too far-fetched to wonder if many people are suffering from fewer nutrients.
Stress in all its forms is a biochemical response meaning various signaling pathways and reactions are involved. It's not so much whether the stress is physical or psychological, but if it still activates similar responses which is how we have that similarity in crossover.