How To Recover From Stress

Are you an iguana or a border collie? Recently my husband and I spent a glorious ten days on vacation in Mexico in celebration of his 50th birthday.  We traveled with five other adults to a resort which caters to scuba divers.  I don’t dive, but Clay is enthusiastic about the sport, as were our fellow travelers. This interaction led to some fascinating insight on stress and relaxation. When not diving, most of our group spent time lounging by the pool, with the iguanas (yes, actual iguanas).  Being fair skinned, I spent some enjoyable time by the pool, in the shade, reading. I did not, however, have the staying power of the rest of the group.  I needed something else.  My husband, Clay, enjoyed being an iguana for a while, but then also needed to DO something.  We took out the little sailboat, went for walks — coming and going from the pool.  One of our fellow travelers remarked, “You are always on the go.  When are you going to relax?” Here’s the thing — we were relaxing. Clay joked at dinner one evening, “I’m like a border collie.  If I don’t have something to do, I start chewing on things.” Funny and true, it is a good description of how he relaxes.  He needs something diverting him from thinking about the things which cause stress.  Staying still provides too much time to think. Too often we think of relaxation in only one facet – as stillness.  Meditation works for many, but if you are a border collie at heart, it may cause more ...
Source: Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Award Winning Blog Stress Less Source Type: blogs