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Stay Safe! Avoid Emotional Stress
Featured Author:
Kelly Rudolph
Kelly Rudolph has been “Your Personal Safety Trainer” and CEO of SURVIVE! Self-Defense LLC since 1999. She has trained thousands of men, women, teens and children how to avoid verbal, mental, emotional and physical attack and appeared on National TV with John Walsh of “America’s Most Wanted.” She wrote and published four safety books and knows that safety has much more to do with self-esteem than self-defense. This inspired Kelly to create PositiveWomenRock.com; a women’s membership website which promotes positive outlook and attitude, resulting in happier, safer, more empowered lives. Visit PositiveWomenRock.com for your audio gift and positive information.
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Kelly Rudolph | Excelle
June 29, 2009
With stress levels rising — over the recession, finances, jobs, families, the home, what have you! — it is important to realize the connection between emotional stress and physical danger, especially for women. We talk about the many health issues caused by stress but don’t hear how much easier it is for an attacker when he or she victimizes a stressed out person.
As women, we generally take on other people’s stress as well as our own, whether it’s concern for their situation or the burden of helping them remedy it.
Here’s how you can help reduce your stress and vulnerability to physical danger.
Fact #1: Fear is the most dangerous mindset of all when you are stressed.
You look scared and weak, which is obvious in your body language (the attacker language). Women are already seen as “weaker,” so it’s most important for us to consciously look confident and strong.
Tip: Always convey confidence in your body language, regardless of how you feel. That is: head held high, shoulders back, arms swinging when you walk, looking side to side (seeing behind you with peripheral vision). Stay OFF your cell phone (one of the worst distractions) and be ready — and willing — to run if necessary.
Fact #2: Violent crimes, domestic violence and gun sales increase drastically during economic downturns.
Tip: Although domestic violence goes both ways, a woman is more inclined to be the victim. Realize most people are stressed just like you might be. Practice patience for two reasons: 1) people are more volatile right now, and 2) it will calm you and others down.
People will be calmer around someone who is relaxed.
Fact #3: There is a beginning, middle and end to everything, and there are always lessons in the mix.
Tip: Think about where you were “before” the economic stress. What was your life like? Note how your life has changed and what lessons you can learn from it. Maybe “cutting back” has been an eye opener for you about certain things. For example: you may be healthier taking your lunch to work and avoiding expensive coffee every day.
brenda2c
4 months ago
4 comments
I personally believe that stress can change your health. I recently resigned from my job due to the stress. I truely believe it caused me to have high blood pressure and I was put on depression meds and sleeping pills to help me. I have had stomach problems for years and I know it is due to the stress. The last year I kept telling myself that the money was not worth it. I took on selling Tarrah (wellness drinks, skin care, and weight loss) which I took the products and love them. This was what I was going to do when I retired. After another stressfull event, I said to hell with the job (that paid) and could not believe the difference I felt immediately. I even have people tell me on the phone that I sound happy. I feel like the world has been lifted from my shoulders. Right now I don't want to really work for someone else. I want to make Tarrah a business. I have fun sharing the products and I make money while doing it. I haven't taken any med's since I resigned. That just shows me that stress can control you body.
metot
4 months ago
470 comments
just don't get too overly stress! thats bad in the health and may trigger our health problems.
PhillAlexandros
4 months ago
10 comments
I think stress is the ultimate silent killer. For the past four months I have been on a huge bout of stress, anxiety and depression. Now, I've been dealing with what could possibly be Crohns disease or IBS (still doing exams). And I honestly think it all started because of stress.
Lately I've decided to take a more active approach in my life, instead of letting these things ruin me. I joined two Meetup groups in my area to meet new people and discover new interests. I've also joined a Women's Counseling Center nearby, went back to church (cause I've been meaning to for years), and try my best to be thankful for what I have, rather than worry about what I don't have.
Most importantly - I'm looking for that job that will make me happy. The truth is, your job is 50% of your life - better make it something you like!
I think everything has a lesson. Through this I learned not to postpone the things that make me happy for money, or even for others. I'm not a parent (though I take care of my mom), so I don't understand the time constraints that go with being a parent- but I do think that it's important to take time to yourself even if you have kids/husband/partner/family. My sister in law for instance, takes every Friday night off to participate in her book club.
The best thing that can be said about women (generally) is that we talk about what goes on most of the time. Stress is probably the only thing where I feel men have it worst. They simply don't handle it well, because they insist on "being a man." I watch my brother everyday deteriorate from what I know is stress - but he won't do anything about it, or talk about it...and it's very sad.
Luciana