When the Pressure Cooker is about to Explode

Yes, we all have stress in our lives. Whether it is small or large, it affects the body in the same way. It raises our blood pressure, causing us to become very irritated – and I can even go so far as to say that a vein will look like it’s about to explode.

Stress is not fun. Nor is it attractive.

But how can we cope with stress in this fast-paced society that we live in? What are effective ways to deal with stress?

One of my friends shuffles cards and works on his magic tricks, while another friend of mine does balloon sculptures. I do yoga. Or, if the stress is really bad, I like to put on some ballroom music and pretend I am Ginger Rogers dancing with Fred Astaire.

Recently, I came across a quote from Anne Wilson Schaef: “Sometimes you just need a good scream. Remember, a good ‘scream-a-logue’ directed at no one is often more effective than a dialogue or monologue.” This quote reminded me of a news segment I saw a number of years ago about a man (I believe he was homeless) in Berkeley who would allow people to yell at him to get out their frustrations.

He would go up to business men and women and ask them if they needed to vent about anything. Some people were very modest, but others screamed at him. Of course, he didn’t take it personally. However, those people who needed the release felt so much better afterwards.

It is so important not to hold in stress. If there isn’t a release of it, stress will just start to build up and make you feel like a pressure cooker that is about to explode. It is not safe for the body, nor is it safe for those around you when you are ready to burst from all that stress!

[tags]stress, pressure cooker, anne wilson schaef, frustration, scream, busy society[/tags]