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Coping with Stress
Studies
show that long-term activation of stress symptoms can have a hazardous
effect on our bodies. When the signs of stress persist we are at risk
to many health problems that we often do not realize are, in large,
part attributed to stress, such as:
- Obesity
- Heart
disease
- Cancer
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Obsessive
compulsive or anxiety disorder
- Substance
abuse
- Ulcers
or diabetes
- Tooth
and gum disease
- Asthma
Stress
can affect sexual behaviour and reproduction, it can also inhibit the
immune system making us more vulnerable to colds, flu, fatigue and other
infections, it can cause digestive problems. Stress can also bring on
a full-blown panic attack.
Common Causes of Stress.
A
job used to be for life – now it is not.
- Students
at University seem more stressed, they have left home (left the nest)
and are now managing on their own, academic pressures, work load increase,
exams, separation from parents and friends and burning the candle
at both ends.
- Husband
and wife are usually both working to maintain their present standards
(1999 issue of the APA monitor, the journal of the American Psychological
Association)
- Work
stress.
- Pensioners
living on fixed incomes.
- Illness
and disability.
- Our
environment – we must endure weather, noise, traffic and pollution.
Social
stressors:
-
Deadlines
- Financial
problems
- Job
interviews
- Disagreements
and Relationship Problems
- Demands
on our time and attention
- Loss
of loved ones
Physiological
stressors:
-
Rapid growth of adolescence
- Menopause
- Illness,
ageing
- Accidents
- Lack
of exercise, poor nutrition
- Sleep
disturbances.
All
these tax our bodies, which leads to muscle tension, headache, stomach
upsets, and anxiety.
Our
thoughts:
Our brains interpret and translate complex changes in our environment,
and body, and determines when to turn on the emergency response, (flight
or fight response) leading to anxiety and panic attacks.
Stress
is an everyday fact of life, which cannot be avoided, it is inherent
in any change in our lives to which we must adjust to.
We
can have good stress as well as bad – it is how we react to these experiences
that cause major problems. If we thrive on deadlines then it is good
stress, but, if we go to pieces at each deadline, then its not doing
us much good. When stress is a part of a natural reaction to challenge
the body’s responses its called positive stress, however, when we feel
out of control or under intense pressure we may experience the physical
and emotional symptoms brought on by negative stress, and these are
the signs of stress we need to recognise and control.
What Effect Can Stress Have On Our Lives?
Some
of the physical symptoms of stress:
( they can be brought on by other illnesses, so it is important to get
checked out by your doctor.)
-
Sleep disturbances
- Back,
should or neck pain
- Tension
or migraine headaches
- Irregular
heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain.
- Asthma
or shortness of breath
- Upset
or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn, IBS, constipation, diarrhoea.
- Weight
gain or loss, eating disorders.
- Hair
loss
- Muscle
tension
- Fatigue
- High
blood pressure
- Skin
problems
- Reproductive
problems
- Immune
system suppression, more colds, flu, infections.
Emotional symptoms
Like
physical signs, emotional symptoms, such as anxiety or depression can
mask conditions. It is important to find out whether they are stress
related or not – they can affect your performance at work, your physical
health, or your relationships with others.
-
Nervousness, anxiety, butterflies.
- Depression,
moodiness
- Irritability,
frustration
- Memory
problems
- Lack
of concentration and trouble thinking clearly
- Feeling
out of control
- Substance
abuse, and alcohol abuse
- Phobias,
panic attacks
These
can lead to relationship problems.
The
antisocial behaviour displayed in stressful situations can cause a rapid
deterioration in relationships with family, friends, co-workers, or
even strangers. A person under stress may manifest signs such as:
-
Increased arguments
- Isolation
from social activities
- Conflict
with co-workers or employers
- Frequent
job changes
- Road
rage
- Domestic
or workplace violence
- Over-reaction
So What Can We Do To Help Reduce Stress?
-
Learn to breathe properly, slow deep breathes, muscle relaxation,
guided imagery, yoga, slow everything down when you become stressed
and learn to relax. (hypnotherapy and yoga are ideal)
-
Exercise more, exercise produces endorphins to make you feel good.
Take up some kind of sport, swim, gym, tennis, walk.
-
Learn to deal with difficult people
-
Learn to say NO
-
Talk your problems over with some one
-
Relax every day, learn self-hypnosis, have a massage, listen to relaxing
music.
-
Take time out, have a warm bath.
-
Eat nutritiously, get enough sleep, if you don’t you produce extra
stress hormones - stay comfortable.
-
Enlist the help of your GP and a reputable hypnotherapist. Remember
you are not the only one suffering from stress, it’s not a sign of
weakness to ask for help or seek professional advice. Prolonged excessive
stress can lead to depression
What can you do about coping with your stress levels?
For more information and help:
Call
Lyta Humphris on Plymouth 01752 788321 or
e-mail lhumphris@aol.com
for
an appointment or a Personal Stress CD now.
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