I went to a talk at my kids’ school the other night about drug abuse prevention.  Interesting material and great presenter.

One of the things that caught my attention was the presenter’s definition of stress.

Before I tell you what it was, what’s yours?  Definition of stress that is.

The dictionary calls it “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.”

Sounds significant.

The presenter called stress the result of emotions that aren’t dealt with.

Simple.  Clean.  Manageable.  This means that emotion we don‘t deal with or acknowledge is a shortcut to stress.

I like that she didn’t say you have to necessarily solve your stress inducing problems.  She didn’t say bliss out and force a smile on your face.

She did say acknowledge.

As in my shoulder hurts again.  I feel under pressure.

As in my scalp is tingling.  I’m chock full of anticipation.

As in my chest feels tight.  I’m scared.

As in my heart feels bigger than my body.  I’m full of love.

As in my throat feels tight.  I’m sad and about to choke up.

Dealing with your emotions hits as home run.   Dealing with your emotions is a direct path to reducing stress.  Clearly.

And you? How are your emotions connected to your stress level?