Stress-aches

We all tend to get them.  Some of us hide from them.  Some of us self-medicate.  Some of us drink them away.  Introducing the one and only all encompassing visitors of the night, give it up for stress-aches.

Have you ever woke up on the wrong side of the bed with a stiff neck and sore shoulder?  How about that back that just aches after a long hard week in a stressful job?  Maybe, its the constant headaches that build up and bring you to your knees?

There are a number of things that show up as stress-aches.  From back pain, to digestive issues to headaches, colds, stomach illness and everything in-between. These can be chronic issues that flare up and drive us to the brink of our endurance.

We all know them when they show up.  Yet, we don't always seem to connect why they are showing up with what is happening in our life.  Hey, I'm just like the next person.  I tend to minimize all that is going on around me or in my life.  I pretty much fail to see the connection to the pains and aches and stress-aches that are happening in those moments.

My Body Reacting To Stress

For some time I have been going through a very stressful experience in my life.  While I'm writing this well in advance of when it will actually publish to the blog, I'm recording what is happening.  It is a journey that you can follow along and has been unfolding.  I've tried to write and share as much as I can.

I've been struggling to make a decision.  I've felt this in my body.  It has come out through neck tension, back pain, headaches, increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping and an overall feeling of being so frustrated and depressed, I could barely go on at times.

Don't let anyone tell you that stress does not show up in the body.  In fact, when the body experiences pain and discomfort, it is usually a result of what is going on in your life.  Many of us are disconnected from it and many use all kinds of ways to numb out so they don't feel it.

I have gotten to a point in my own healing and consciousness where I feel it all.  This can be intense and difficult, but it is also a very good thing, contrary to what you may think.  The more you feel and connect with in your body, the more you can take care of yourself.  This includes the good and bad, not just the good.

Looking Forward In Difficult Moments

Sometimes it helps.  Sometimes it helps to have a goal or something to look forward to when you are going through difficult moments.  As I write this, there are many of those insurmountable moments I'm facing.  Most likely by the time someone reads this blog posts, things will have changed.

Just knowing that you have options can sometimes help you get through difficult moments.  Realizing that there is a way out is like a breath of fresh air.  It helps you see that you're not locked into what is, but the potential of what can be still exists.

Seeing that there is a game plan to look forward to helps lift your thoughts and energy from despair and depression, to one of forward movement.  Even if it feels like you're hardly moving at all, there is hope that tomorrow or the tomorrow after it, will be better and brighter.