Transforming Stress into Serenity: My Journey to Wellness
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Chapter 1: My Struggles with Stress
Last year proved to be incredibly challenging for me, marked by multiple hospital visits and stays. It all began in early 2021 when I found myself frequently admitted for treatment of GERD, culminating in an endoscopy due to the severity of my condition. I often wondered why I had to visit the hospital so many times. Fortunately, I had an excellent internist who reviewed my activity history and found no apparent issues. His only advice was, “Try not to stress too much.” He never prohibited me from eating certain foods, as I was already careful to avoid anything that could trigger my sensitive stomach.
He posed a thought-provoking question: “Who is most likely to die young?” My initial guesses were common vices, such as smoking or heavy drinking. But he clarified, “No, it’s the person who is stressed.” It dawned on me that stress was a significant factor in my repeated hospitalizations.
During my time in the hospital, I realized that much of my suffering stemmed from my mindset, which was a dangerous realization. I had been overworking myself, driven by ambition, but it was clearly taking a toll on my health.
Upon my discharge, I decided to adopt a more relaxed lifestyle compared to the previous year. I learned to approach situations with greater calm and to let go of concerns that were beyond my control.
Section 1.1: Steps Toward a Calmer Life
What changes did I implement to foster tranquility? Here are a few key adjustments:
- I stopped pushing myself to work excessively hard.
- I made it a priority to enjoy life by traveling and exploring new places, reminding myself that we only live once.
- I learned to ignore things outside my control.
- I incorporated more exercise and meditation into my routine.
Subsection 1.1.1: Visualizing the Journey
Section 1.2: The Impact of Lifestyle Changes
A year has passed since I made these lifestyle modifications, and the results have been remarkable. My GERD symptoms have not recurred, and I have not experienced any pain similar to what I endured the previous year.
Chapter 2: Understanding Stress and Its Effects
The first video, "How stress affects your body - Sharon Horesh Bergquist," explores the various physical impacts of stress on our bodies, providing valuable insights into managing it effectively.
The second video, "Part 2: The Effects of Stress on Our Body | AXA Research Fund," delves deeper into the physiological effects of stress, emphasizing the importance of self-care and awareness.