If you want help managing your life or your career, Crystal Lee is the go-to woman for advice. The Burnaby resident is a certified life and career coach with Beyond Maybe Coaching, and she specializes in helping people manage work-life balance and career transitions. Lee is hosting a free talk on Monday, July 6 at the Bob Prittie branch of the Burnaby Public Library, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Her event will focus on every day, concrete things people can do to manage stress and live a more balanced, healthy life. The event is free, but seating is limited. Register by calling 604-436-5400. Her talk is part of the library’s Bridge for Health series.
Q&A:
Tell me a bit about yourself:
I help people get clear on what they want, so they can move into action with joy and ease. Specializing in career transitions and work-life balance, I combine creative and playful dialogue to inspire people to live healthy, fulfilling lives. I received my Bachelor's degree at UBC, and Master of Public Health degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Now I am delighted to return to my hometown to host a Stress Management Workshop in partnership with Burnaby Public Library and Bridge for Health!
What causes stress?
Stress is a natural response that has helped us survive for thousands of years. It is a way our bodies tell us that we should run from bears and wild fires. While the situations that cause sweaty palms, a racing heartbeat, and butterflies in the stomach are different today, they are still responses to real or perceived threats. In healthy, manageable doses, stress can help us solve problems and complete tasks. However, it is problematic when stress feels overwhelming and out of control.
Are we more stressed out nowadays that previous decades?
Our fast-paced world may lead us to view more situations as stressful. If our text messages aren’t answered immediately, we might feel a little annoyed. If there’s uncertainty about our work situation, that might add another layer of anxiety. When we take into account other expectations such as preparing healthy meals, hitting the gym, keeping our house clean, paying our bills, vacation planning, and keeping in touch with friends, it can all add up. In fact, research suggests that accumulation of daily hassles can be as impactful as major life events such as the death of a family member.
What are some of the harms of long-term exposure to stress?
During long-term exposure to stress, your body is constantly ready to deal with threats. Hormonal signals are accordingly turned on. Since these hormones travel throughout the body, they can affect many body processes, increasing risk for depression, digestive problems, weight gain, heart disease, sleep disruption, memory problems, and other health issues.
What are the best ways to cope with stress?
Stress can sometimes feel so overwhelming, you’d rather turn the other way. An excellent first step is to acknowledge the presence of stress so you can begin to identify the sources. From there, you can begin to brainstorm actions - no matter how small - that would help address the root causes. When you act on concrete, manageable pieces, it builds confidence and motivation to keep going!
What can you do in the moment when you’re panicking or worried about the future or something?
First, remember to breathe as calmly as you can so your body gets the oxygen it needs. I also like to ask myself, “What is the worst case scenario? What is the best case scenario? Where is reality likely to sit?”
Anything else you would like to add?
With any stress management plan, it has to be enticing for the person who is going to do it. Making it relevant, meaningful, and fun is important. I’ll be sharing more strategies for creating a personalized stress management plan on July 6.
