I feel that my lower back issues are the result of stress. It’s hard to understand in my current state of retirement. I should be more relaxed than I’ve ever been in my life, yet I somehow seek it out. For example, I’ve taken on my wife’s work concerns as if they were my own. I guess I will never officially retire until she does, since I’m helpless in solving her issues. I feel her pain that manifests itself in my back muscles. Fortunately, an acupuncturist and chiropractor have come to my rescue.

Exercise has always been the top way to relieve stress and anxiety. This has been reinforced by both of these experts, as I continue to run every single day of my life. Today, was one of the first days that I’ve run without stiffness in recent months. I mentioned to the chiropractor about my need to manufacture stress as the “drug” that has seemingly motivated me all these years. I remember mentioning to my wife years ago that her brother, a retired surgeon, begun to obsess about “meaningless” things in an effort to elevate his “retirement worth.” In other words, seeking value for his new life of leisure. I’m going through the same thing, and writing every day is another key way to counter stress. The doctor went on to explain that there are two types of stress.

“Stress is simply the body’s response to changes that create taxing demands.” According to Dr. Richard Lazarus, “stress is a two-way process; it involves the production of stressors by the environment, and the response of an individual subjected to these stressors. His conception regarding stress led to the theory of cognitive appraisal.” As I continue to appraise my own reactions to stress, I now understand the difference between Distress and Eustress. Distress, or negative stress, is what we most commonly associate with stress. “Eustress is defined as a positive type of stress and enhances our functioning. It is a healthy form of stress that gives us positive feelings and makes us feel good about ourselves. The prefix of the word (‘eu’) is Greek and stands for ‘well’ or ‘good’.”

Obviously, my debilitating lower back pain is a clear sign of Distress, when I should be actively seeking more positive ways to focus my energy. I can have little influence on my wife’s challenges other than honestly listening to her frustrations. Maybe it’s time for me to pursue more constructive ways to spend my retirement years and bring more Eustress into my life?