What’s Your Kind of Pressure Whistle?
Most of us find the whistle of a pressure cooker very irritating. On the other hand, whistling a melody sounds so calming and soothing. So, what prompts the pressure cooker to blow the whistle? It whistles when it reaches a particular temperature to release the built up pressure. We all sometimes feel pressured up and in this article, I am going to explore the what, how, when and why of our pressure whistles.
What Is Pressure?
Pressure is when stress builds up within. Stress can be positive and negative. We all need that extra nudge to perform better, so a little pressure is absolutely fine and this is termed as positive. It is the negative stress that really blows the whistle. Physical stress is when the body is tired and needs rest, we feel exhausted. It is the mental and emotional stress that really gets us down. The overwhelming feeling that takes over, the anxiety that does not let us think properly, the panic that pushes us and those around to hit the panic button.
When Does The Whistle Blow?
The whistle blows when it reaches a stage of not being able to handle it any longer. The pressure mounts, temperatures rise and whoosh – the whistle blows. Sometimes when we suppress our emotions of hurt, pain, guilt, shame or even humiliation, anger too – it bothers us, it keeps niggling in our mind. There is constant mind chatter and when we cannot take it anymore – we just blow the whistle.
Also Read: Moving On And Accepting Things As They Are
Why Does It Blow?
It blows as we feel too overwhelmed with the emotions. The mind cannot think straight as it is clouded by a whole lot of unnecessary thoughts. Why does stress build? There could be various reasons, for each individual it is different. Let me discuss some of the reasons that lead to building stress within us.
- Comparison – let us not compete and compare with others. It only leads to misery.
- Deadlines – if we know how to manage our time, prioritize, the deadlines will not get to us.
- Lack Of Awareness – not knowing what to do, how to go about it.
- Feel Disconnected With Those Around – don’t feel good about self, situations.
- Chronic Worrier – a habitual worrier, even if things are going well there is a tendency to worry about “What if…”
- Uncertainty – the pandemic times have led to uncertainty about future, not knowing what can happen next, plans not materializing.
How To Ensure That We Can Blow A Melodious Whistle
There are ways we can release the built up pressure and ensure that the whistle is not irritating but melodious. Here is what you can do;
- Vent It Out – In a closed room just shout out loud.
- Take Long Walks – Brisk walking shifts something internally and the body produces dopamine instead of cortisol (produced when tress levels are high).
- Talk It Out – Always helps to talk it out rather than keeping it bottled up.
- Draw With Colors – Colors are very therapeutic and one need not be an artist. Indulge in coloring Mandala books that are now available online too.
- Write A Journal – Writing your thoughts down, expressing emotions on paper gives clarity of thoughts.
- Dance – Especially to the rhythm of Drums of Africa, Chenda Drums of Kerala. Movement helps to release emotional blocks.
- Indulge In Music – Soothes and comforts.
- Be Amidst Nature – Time tested, remember, Nature Nurtures.
- Cook – Great stress buster
- Sing – Sing along songs and it works wonders, try it out
- Yoga – Good to handle stress as it aligns the mind, body and spirit.
Related: Wall of Love, The Soul of a Home
Lead a stress free life. Stay Safe. Read the serenity prayer.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference” – Reinhold Niebuhr
Arpita Gosh is an accomplished author, TEDx speaker, mental wellness counselor and a creative facilitator. She has helped many with her advice and counseling to get over psychological issues. She has been instrumental in transforming many lives positively.
