Every person experiences some form of pressure in their lives. It can come from many different sources: from the natural environment to a person’s work ethic. All, or some, of these sources can often work together to shape a person’s personality. The resulting effects influence how a person relates to the larger world; especially if that person has a uniquely challenging life.
The ever-changing natural environment can influence the life of a person with unique challenges, in both good and bad ways. For example, ventriculoperitoneal shunts are usually implanted in a person that have too much cerebral spinal fluid on their brain. While these shunts can help with the draining of excess fluid, they can also be affected by changes in environmental air pressure. In my experience, rain, and occasionally snow, often leads to headaches and stomachaches, since I also have shunts in my abdomen. The best way that I have found to deal with these incidents is sleep. However, sleep doesn’t always completely take care of the problem, to be honest. In those cases, quiet activities are best, such as meditation, reading, and/or working on the computer. On the other side, good weather can greatly improve a person’s mood, as well as giving a person with vitamin D deficiency, such as myself, extra energy.
Pressure can influence a person’s personality and unique motivations. In my case, I set myself specific goals for each day, and strive to complete them, in spite of my health that day. This can often lead to panic attacks as I push to do more than my body feels up to. I have found that the key to keeping myself sane is to prioritize my goals, and remind myself that I am not superwoman. Since my activities are usually self-appointed, that gives me room to slow down. The problem is to keep myself from either getting too stressed or too lazy. Breathing exercises, as well as reading my Bible, help to keep me calm and focused on what is truly important.
Pressure is an unavoidable fact of life. Whether it is felt physically or self-imposed, pressure influences how people react to challenges. Finding coping mechanisms is important for a healthy, and productive lifestyle. Above all else, it is important to remember that you don’t have to face times of pressure/stress all by yourself. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. May God bless all of my readers!