SISTER SPEAKS TO SENIORS

Citipark’s Lawrenceville Senior Center was the site of a presentation on Stress Reduction by Sister Norma Rodriguez.

Sister contrasted the differences between normal stress and abnormal stress.  She stated that normal stress is what motivates us to get things done, and it makes sure that we are on time for the important things of life.  On the other hand, she said that some types of stress can be ongoing and, over a long period of time, can lead to health problems, accidents, and strained relationships.

She went on to say that “Stress can build up over time, and we can come to feel more and more stressed out depending upon circumstances.  But fortunately, we can call a time out on stress.”  She then went on to describe a variety of ways to de-escalate stress.  Sister also mentioned, though, that some coping mechanisms can include destructive behaviors.  She said, “The key is to ask for help and to replace destructive behaviors with constructive and supportive behaviors.” She pointed out a number of ways that the Serenity Prayer and one’s spiritual life can help in times of challenge and/or crisis. She encouraged the participants to call on God for help and to believe that God can really help us.

This program was sponsored by Christian Home Health Care.