Stress: Sweating the small stuff

June 16, 7:34 PMTampa Mental Health ExaminerTelisa Cross

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Stress (n) - strain felt by somebody: mental, emotional, or physical strain caused, e.g. by anxiety or overwork.

Although a formal definition isn’t really necessary as we’ve all experienced stress in some manner, it’s often helpful to remind ourselves that it is a genuine circumstance and not just some “it’s-all-in-your-head” notion or overused coin of blame. Sadly, our exposure to daily stressors is on a steady incline as we continue to pack even more into our already crammed lives.

So here’s the question of the day: If you shouldn’t sweat the small stuff then why is it that it’s the little things that count? For example, small stuff (or little things) could be regarded by some as rude or inconsiderate people, long lines, traffic, remembering that you forgot (insert something important here). When encountered singularly these occurrences seem harmless, but how are we affected when we suddenly remember the doctor’s appointment we’ve waited months to get. Then while in a mad rush to get to it we end up stuck in traffic only to arrive and have to deal with the snarky receptionist who feels that her updated Facebook profile is much more important than your medical condition.

Blame in on Murphy’s Law or bad things happening in threes - whatever gets you through it. As long as you take a moment to recognize that if left unaddressed these “little things” can mutate into something much, much bigger. It’s no secret that stress may be linked serious health risks such as heart disease, depression, and substance abuse disorders, to name a few. It’s alright to be annoyed by the person whose brand new SUV did not come equipped with turn signals or the man with 23 items in the 10 items or fewer line at Publix. By allowing yourself to feel the annoyance you are validating your sense of self worth in a natural manner. Emotions are meant to be felt but do not, however, dwell on them. Accept them and move on because no matter how diligent you are in your efforts you cannot control all of life’s actions, rather your reaction to them.

So go ahead, feel free to sweat the small stuff. Sweat it like a fever until it is out of your system because after all, it is the little things that count.

For more info: Stress Management Health Center; Topic: Stress; Stress & Illness