Stress: Maybe It’s Time to Just… STOP IT!
Have you ever seen the classic Bob Newhart comedy sketch “Stop It!”?
In the sketch, a patient explains her problems to a therapist, and his solution is remarkably simple: “Stop it!”
It's funny because real life isn't quite that simple. But at the same time, it IS that simple! No matter what other factors are involved, childhood, parents, etc., whatever other outside influences are impacting your life, ultimately, the only thing that will change your behavior or lifestyle is you. You simply need to stop it.
Stress Is More Than a Feeling
Stress is a normal response to challenges. Your body is designed to respond to situations that require action. The problem comes when stress becomes a constant part of everyday life. Chronic stress can affect sleep, energy, digestion, concentration, mood, muscle tension and other aspects of physical health. The CDC notes that long-term stress can contribute to worsening health problems. Your body wasn't designed to live in “fight-or-flight” mode all day, every day.
So perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is: What can I change about the way I'm responding to stress?
You May Not Be Able to Eliminate Stress—But You Can Change Your Relationship With It
Some stressors aren't going away. You may have responsibilities at work. Family concerns. Financial pressures. Health challenges. Relationships. Things happening in the world that are completely outside your control.
The goal isn't to pretend those things don't exist.
Instead, start looking for opportunities to give your mind and body a break.
Here are some simple places to start:
1. Take a Real Break
Not scrolling through stressful news.
Not answering emails.
Not thinking about everything you need to do next.
Take 10–15 minutes and actually step away.
Go outside. Sit quietly. Listen to music. Take a few slow breaths.
Even short periods of time devoted to yourself can help reduce stress.
2. Get Your Body Moving
Movement doesn't have to mean an intense workout.
Take a walk. Stretch. Garden. Dance. Do some gentle exercise that your body can tolerate.
Physical activity can benefit both physical and emotional well-being. The act of exercise proactively changes levels of neurotransmitters and hormones and is more powerful than any anti-anxiety medication ever tested.
3. Laugh More
This is where our friend Bob Newhart comes in.
Find something that makes you laugh.
Watch a funny video. Spend time with someone who makes you smile. Play with your dog. Tell a joke. Watch an old comedy. Laughter and enjoyable activities can be a simple way to interrupt the stress cycle and give yourself a mental reset.
4. Practice Deep Breathing
One of the simplest tools you have is already built into your body: your breath.
Slow, deep breathing can help activate the body's relaxation response. Relaxation techniques are designed to counter the physiological stress response and can be practiced almost anywhere.
Try this:
Inhale slowly through your nose.Pause briefly.Then exhale slowly and completely.
Repeat several times.
5. Make Time for Things You Enjoy
When was the last time you did something simply because you enjoyed it?
Not because it was productive.
Not because somebody needed you to do it.
Not because it was on your “to-do” list.
Just because it was fun.
Hobbies, time outdoors, music, creativity, relationships and other enjoyable activities can all be part of a healthy approach to managing stress.
And Sometimes… You Really Do Need to “STOP IT”
Yes, really, in the literal Bob Newhart sense. Perhaps we do need to stop and ask ourselves:
What am I doing every day that is keeping me stressed?
Am I constantly checking the news?
Am I saying yes to everything?
Am I never taking a break?
Am I carrying problems that aren't mine to solve?
Am I putting everyone else's needs ahead of my own?
Am I forgetting to have fun?
You may not be able to change everything happening around you.
But you can begin making healthier choices about how you respond.
At Dr Cage Wellness Clinic, we look at health from a whole-person perspective.
Nutrition matters. Movement matters. Sleep matters. Your environment matters. Mental, emotional and spiritual activities and health matter.
If stress has become a constant part of your life and you're ready to take a closer look at your overall health, consider scheduling a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Cage.
Sometimes improving your health begins with taking a step back, looking at the whole picture—and deciding it's time to do something different.
And, of course…
Don't forget to have a little fun along the way.
Watch the Bob Newhart “Stop It!” video
originally published on Mad TV
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.
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