Does it seem like you’re experiencing more stress lately? Anyone could be feeling the effects of recent events, or maybe you’re slightly verklempt (love the expressiveness of Yiddish!) from life in general.
Stress is everywhere, but it isn’t all bad.
Stress is literally anything that has any effect on us, like weather, the food we eat, job, family, even exercise. Physical, emotional, social, biological, responses to stress have an effect on health.
Hormones help us regulate and cope with stress. They help regulate physiological responses, energy metabolism, mood, and emotional reactions, but chronic stress can disrupt these hormonal systems, which can lead anxiety, depression, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular problems. Ahhhh…time to take a breath.
I found these lovely Italian phrases which really resonated for me as techniques to relieve the effects of stress, and I hope they’re helpful for you too!
Festina lente “Make haste, slowly”. Take measured steps toward short-term goals, because it’s impossible to accomplish anything that matters all at once. A balance of urgency, knowing the importance of doing the work, even taking joy in the process, along with diligence and consistency will reap the benefits.
Fare una passeggiata “Make a walk”. A nightly stroll after dinner, preferably with loved ones will clear your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, help with digestion, and improve sleep. In fact, it’s wonderful to take a walk after any meal!
Lupus in fabula “The wolf in the fairytale”. There’s always an unexpected obstacle around the corner, so train physically and mentally to be durable and resilient so you’ll be prepared.
Sprezzatura “Make things look effortless”. Be at ease, with quiet confidence which comes from diligent, consistent training, whether it’s athletics, or even in the arts, expressing a sense of ease and confidence will certainly make you feel better, and can also enable you to perform better.
La vita e bella “Life is beautiful”. You don’t need to experience life-changing events, or huge accomplishments to experience joy.
Notice the small things. The smell of the air after it rains, watermelon in the summer, a song that triggers a sweet memory, an afternoon breeze at the end of a hot day.
And…
Non sei mai troppo vecchio “You are never “too old”. Learn new things, take risks, love your body and what it can do.
I’d love to know if these phrases are meaningful for you!
xo
Polli
