Stress isn’t good for the mind, body or soul even when you’re healthy; but when you’re facing a health challenge the results can be devastating. Like the footage we’ve seen from bridges, we think that in the body that stress causes the cracks. Unfortunately, following your diagnosis with a chronic or life-threatening illness, it accentuates the cracks. That means in your day-to-day life the stress you live is your greatest nemesis.
The idea that when the body, particularly the bones, are under tremendous stress as seen by those who are athletes the stress fracture is minute, but can have a huge impact on their performance. What we know about stress is that it can cause illness, but we think once the damage is done what more can stress do? The fact is that when you continually put stress on something; a joint, a muscle, a bone, even your soul it will eventually give out from the pressure. A stress fracture may be small, but it’s impact can be huge and that obstacle is not one you need when you’re hope is regain your health.
Having control over your stress level seems easy, but if stress has been your drug of choice it can be a difficult transition. Stress in our culture is often the topic of conversation and many people use it to play, “can you top this”. The interesting thing is that stress isn’t something to brag about and wearing it like a red badge of courage is detrimental on your journey to wellness.
Wouldn’t you rather accentuate other attributes in your life besides stress? Aren’t there qualities you’d like to put in the spotlight that will promote health instead of detracting from it? Can you think of one benefit stress has on your mind, body, or soul when facing a health challenge? If you have the answer please share it because the world is waiting with baited breath for the benefits of stress. Don’t get caught up in the illusion that stress is good. See stress for what it is; something that robs you of the energy you need for health and healing.
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 