Chances are, if you are reading this right now you have access to electricity, an internet connection and a smartphone. Living in the industrialised world means you have probably been affected by stress at some point in your life.
Stress in modern times is unavoidable, especially during the pandemic, where people of all ages are experiencing rising stress levels. It is the frontier for worry and anxiety, reflecting the conditions our ancestors faced on the plains of the Savannah centuries ago.
The mention of stress has found its way into everyday speech, teenagers now use the term to describe rising stress levels studying for mid-term exams. But are we stressed or feigning the symptoms to draw attention to our struggles?
One thing is certain, stress is real. How your body interprets it varies from person to person. In fact, your tolerance for stress is different to a trained Navy Seal. Yet, we can all agree, when pushed beyond our stress point, our health declines.
The good news is, we can use mindfulness to help us navigate the torrents of stress and better manage our lives. Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; with purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally; according to Professor of Medicine Emeritus Jon Kabat-Zinn.
It helps you cope with life’s challenges by being present and inhabiting your body with attentiveness. This is in contrast to runaway thoughts which pass through your mind without your conscious awareness.
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