LET GO OF STRESS
What is stress?
- Stress is the bodys reaction to a perceived threat; it is often
called the fight or flight syndrome.
- During times of stress, adrenaline and hormones are released and the
nervous system is activated, sharpening our senses. Simultaneously, our pulse
rises, our muscles tense and our immune system shuts down.
- Life without stress would be boring. Life with too much stress, however,
can result in changes to our mental, physical and emotional health and
well-being. Stress, therefore, can be detrimental to health.
- Constant stress can contribute to family breakdown and to chronic health
problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, memory loss, depression,
on-the-job accidents and injuries.
- On-going or chronic stress interferes with the ability to perform
effectively and to feel well.
Who copes best with stress?
Some people cope well with stress. Generally, they share certain
characteristics and common traits:
- They have a supportive network of family and friends.
- They take time to relax, meditate or practice relaxation techniques.
- They engage in a relaxing hobby.
- They exercise on a regular basis.
- They eat a nutritious diet.
What are some helpful tips to manage stress?
- Learn to manage your time; set priorities.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Set aside time to play and enjoy life.
- Learn to say no to extra social or work requests.
- Occasionally, seek a change in scenery (take a walk, schedule a break,
etc.).
- Start a stress diary and monitor the causes of stress in your life.
Knowing what kinds of situations cause stress can help you to understand and
control them.
- Prevent chronic stress by recognizing the signs of stress and by learning
appropriate relaxation techniques.
- Relaxation tapes, biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation are
several behavioral techniques to combat excessive stress reactions.
- See a physician or other health care professional to seek assistance if
stress levels begin to affect your physical and/or emotional health in a
negative way.
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