How do you tame the stress?

How do you tame the s�r�s�?

‘Laughter,’ ‘faith,’ ‘exercise’ and ‘gardening’ are some of the responses we received when we posed this question to our readers

compiled by ANNETTE JOYCE

From pandemic-related health and economic issues to the political climate, the past year and a half has produced mega amounts of uncertainty and stress for many people.

While stress can’t be avoided, finding healthy ways to deal with it before it takes an emotional and physical toll on our bodies is the key – on that note, we asked our readers to tell us what they do to minimize their stress and lead a healthy life.

When her world starts getting crazy, Stokesdale resident Robin Priddy finds two methods of coping to be effective – laughter and drawing on her faith.

“Laughter truly is the best medicine at times. I work with a great group and making each other smile is an important factor at our home away from home,” said Priddy, who works at A New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale. “Moments of fun can be a wonderful stress reliever.

“The second coping mechanism, and most important factor, is my faith. Whatever has happened in my life, I know that God is in control. That gives me great comfort and hope that brighter days are always ahead,” Priddy added.

A teacher at Southern Guilford Middle School, Katie Marie Nelson discovered that getting down and dirty was the perfect way to release her feelings of stress.

“I started coping with my elevated stress by getting deep into gardening. It gives me a sense of control and I can see progress. Honestly, I probably spend more time weeding than harvesting vegetables, but it brings me joy,” the Colfax resident said.

“Teaching middle school through everything led to a very big and productive garden!” she added.

Ask Tammy Shearer what keeps her in a positive frame of mind and her answer is immediate.

“Hooping,” she said.

Think hula hoop, and then take it up several notches. The Summerfield resident makes, sells and uses shiny, colorful hoops continued onp. 20

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