Navigating Stress: A Journey of Self-Discovery with Dr. Joshua Goodrum
Amidst the complexities of our daily lives, stress can often feel like an unwelcome companion, casting its shadow over our experiences. But what if we could shift this perception? What if, instead of viewing stress as an inevitable presence, we saw it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery? Dr. Joshua Goodrum, a seasoned family medicine physician at OnePeak Medical specializing in functional medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment, invites us to explore this paradigm shift in our approach to stress management.
Challenging Misconceptions: Stress as an Internal Response
“Change the conversation about stress and stress management,” Dr. Goodrum suggests. We manage things in life that we want, but why manage stress?” Stress, he argues, is not an inherent part of life but rather a learned response to external stimuli. It’s not the situation itself but our individual reaction to it that defines our experience of stress.
Understanding Stress: Internal Overwhelm
Dr. Goodrum illustrates the individualized nature of stress responses, stating, “Stress is happening inside the individual. It’s never the external element; it’s an internal response.” He highlights this by saying, “Imagine two people embark on a skydiving adventure. One finds exhilaration, while the other feels overwhelming fear. The difference lies not in the activity but in the internal response.”
Strategies for Self-Management: Mindfulness and Meditation
“To manage ourselves effectively, we must become aware of our internal responses,” Dr. Goodrum advises. To navigate this internal landscape, Dr. Goodrum emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and meditation. By directing attention to the present moment and becoming aware of our feelings and responses, we can initiate an inner investigation into the root causes of our reactions. “Mindfulness is the concept of directing attention and focus to the present moment.” He highlights meditation as a tool for inner exploration: “In the morning and the evening, stop and sit down with a straight spine and closed eyes and simply observe what’s happening inside ourselves.”
Holistic Well-being: Addressing Physical Health
Our ability to respond differently to life’s challenges is not solely dependent on mental practices. Dr. Goodrum underscores the crucial role of physical well-being in stress management. “Our bodies have to have the right chemical makeup to be able to respond differently,” he notes. “Having adequate micronutrient levels, vitamin levels, and a well-balanced endocrine system are vital.” He expands on this by stating, “The body-mind connection is primarily driven by our habitual thinking, and at the same time, if we don’t have the proper fuel in the machinery of the body, the mind won’t function well, and this will lead to ever-increasing difficulties in controlling how we respond to life.”
Prioritizing Self-Care: Making Time for Wellness
“Prioritizing is key,” Dr. Goodrum asserts. But how do we prioritize self-care amidst our busy lives? Dr. Goodrum encourages us to reflect on our priorities. “If you are frequently stressed, this often means you’re not prioritizing managing this and that you’re prioritizing your overwhelm,” he states. “Prioritizing is important, and to know what you’re prioritizing is to look at the outcomes of what’s happening in your life.”
Embracing the Journey
Stress management is not about controlling external circumstances but understanding and transforming our internal responses. It’s a journey of self-awareness, mindfulness, and self-care. As we embark on this journey with Dr. Goodrum’s guidance, may we discover the power within ourselves to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.