Kerrie’s Corner

Kerrie’s Corner #2 ~ Wellness inside and out. RECOGNIZING DAILY STRESSORS

By Kerrie Lee Brown

BodyScape Magazine Celebrity Profile Writer

As someone who has experienced an unexpected heart issue before the age of forty—I feel it’s important to talk about some of the reasons why my body broke down. First, I had worked in the health and wellness industry for years, most notably as the editor-in-chief of Oxygen Women’s Fitness Magazine, so I should have known better, right?! Not really. Second, I had no prior heart health issues and no one in my immediate family had heart disease. I was also fit, and young, and led a somewhat normal life.

So, what was the problem? It’s hard to say exactly, but I knew stress was a culprit.

When I found myself on the floor having a serious “attack” and then on the operating table for an urgent cardiac ablation procedure, I knew evaluating my daily stressors from that point forward was crucial. I have always been someone who worked hard and played hard—but who knew that how I was leading my life meant my daily stress levels were through the roof. Here’s what I discovered.

What is good and bad stress?

Everyone feels stress—even our kids. According to the Adrenal Fatigue Solution, “As we grow older and begin to accept more responsibility in our lives, the potential for stress, and stressful situations grow almost by the week.” Experts suggest that a buildup of stress that is not eased or addressed can lead to a breakdown of both physical and mental health. I concur. The key is recognizing when we have it.

For instance, chronic “bad stress” can boost inflammation and lead to serious health problems over time, which often hinders our ability to fulfill daily tasks efficiently. As a result, most of us consider stress in general as a negative cost of living in modern society. However, there is good stress, too.

Good stress or “positive stress” is a type of stress that can propel you to the next level in personal and professional situations and is seldom debilitating. Good stress can often feel like a natural high with butterflies in your stomach, which can actually encourage, motivate, or push you to reach your dreams or goals. You might even feel giddy. Good stress, or what psychologists refer to as “eustress,” is the type of stress we experience when we feel excited. Our pulse quickens, our hormones change, but there is no threat or fear.

Knowing the difference

It is important to recognize what kind of stress you are experiencing every day. If you feel that certain situations you are dealing with are not getting the necessary attention or relief you need, then it might be time to see your doctor. I should have talked to my physician during the months and years before my wake-up call. Instead I just brushed off my stress as a by-product of a busy life.

The truth is you don’t know how your body is going to react to chronic or long-term “bad stress” until something terrifying happens. Please don’t take that chance.

Take A Brain Break

The key is knowing how to de-stress before it’s too late. Here are some questions to ask yourself. Remember to reflect and think about positive ways to make change.

Today, I dedicate my time as an advocate for heart health and wellness. In fact, recently I have developed an all-natural, vegan-friendly product called RedLily’s Heart Daily Support Supplement that helps promote healthy blood pressure and improved circulation. An efficient heart and circulatory system can improve health and well-being, so you can get the most out of life. If you want to learn more about my story, self-care tips, and practical ways to slow down, visit www.redlilylife.com.

• How can you alter your current lifestyle to be healthier when you already work out, eat well, and stay as active as possible? • How do you become less busy when you love your job and want to be as successful as possible? (Tip: Eliminate the weekend email check-ins.) • How do you dedicate more time to yourself when you have a career, family, and social commitments that you can’t get out of? • What are ways you relax? Could you do more? • Do you listen to your body? Really listen? • Do you know what to do if you feel your blood pressure rising?

These types of questions will help you think about how you treat yourself on a daily basis. It’s quite simple—if you don’t listen to your body, you will eventually run out of fuel like I did. Remember to think about your heart health all year round, and consult your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

In health, Kerrie-Lee

Kerrie Lee Brown is the founder of RedLily® lifestyle brand which inspires women to share their stories of struggle to strength. Contact Kerrie at info@kerrieleebrown.com. Also, find out more about her book “My Heart, My Self” and RedLily’s Heart Health Support Supplement at www.redlilylife.com and on Amazon.