How to Deal with Stress

I believe this is an eternal theme for me.

Stress isn't
entirely a villain.

Sometimes a moderate amount of tension helps us do our best,
and it can also become energy for new challenges.

However,
if you stay in a state of constant tension,
you will eventually get tired.

Recently, I met someone who works while staying true to what they love.

"People talk about relieving stress, but
I don't really feel stress from my work in the first place.
Because I'm doing what I love as my job."

They said that with a smile,
and it was incredibly cool.

Indeed,
perhaps we have somehow

"Work equals something stressful"
"So we must relieve it on our days off"

convinced ourselves of these ideas.

But right now,
I find my work in visiting nursing
to be very rewarding.

The time spent talking slowly with patients who have dementia.

Being told, "I was looking forward to my bath."

Even just while cutting their nails,
the moment their expression softens.

In such small interactions,
there is that person's life,
and there is joy.

Of course, it's not that there are zero difficulties.

But,
it's a little different from "stress that wears you down."

After becoming a nurse,
I learned the importance of switching between on and off.

If you just keep trying,
you will break down.

That is why,
switching gears is important.

Not dwelling on things.

Properly relaxing.

I think that,
rather than being a weakness,
it is a necessary strength for living.

That is why I
want to pass this on to my son as well.

How to deal with stress.

Should you move your body?

Should you lounge around at home?

Should you immerse yourself in what you love?

Should you eat something delicious?

Who should you spend time with?

Should you go on a trip
and see different scenery?

The answer is different for everyone.

But,
people who have many
"ways to return to themselves"
will surely be able to keep living from here on out.

That is what I believe.