STRESS!!!!
We
often here the word "stress" bandied about.
Television news programs tell us that the average
American reports the second or third highest stress
levels in the world and that we must reduce our stress
to protect our health and improve our quality of life.
We see advertisements for products that are supposed
to reduce our stress for us: bubble baths, massagers,
tapes, candles, spas, and vacations. There is truth
in all the above, but if we know these things, why
does stress continue to be a problem?
The
answer is simple and yet, complex. First, stress is
a part of life and that is an undeniable fact. We
can never "eliminate" stress, but we can
learn to manage it. Secondly, stress management works
best when implemented "before" the stress
overwhelms your life and this is where the problem
lies. Most people do not think of doing something
about stress until it becomes a problem. At that point,
it takes great effort to make the necessary changes.
Identifying
Stress
This
may seem simple on the surface, but in reality it
is more complicated. Stress usually builds into our
lives slowly and eventually causes health problems.
Since it build slowly, we tend not to notice the increasing
stress we are under. We find ourselves making multiple
visits to our physician for various ailments only
to be told, "this is stress related," leaving
us feeling like we have just been told we are crazy.
Below are a few of the physical ailments that stress
can cause:
- Frequent
cold or flu episodes
- Constant
tiredness
- Fatigue
- Sleep
problems
- Racing
heart
- High
blood pressure
- Upset
stomach
- Diarrhea
- Weight
changes
- Headaches
- Migraines
Why
Stress Can Lead to Physical Ailments
Stress
occurs when we feel out of control of a situation
(babysitting 4 children), or pressure to perform (deadlines),
or uncertainty about the future (financial struggles).
Our "perceptions" of these situations (out
of control, pressure, uncertainty) cause our defenses
to be triggered and the body gears up to defend ourselves.
Muscle tension, pulse, respiration all increase. Adrenaline
is released into the bloodstream, and digestion is
disrupted. If these systems continue to run for extended
periods, the body begins to wear down and we become
susceptible to illness or the complaints listed above,
especially if we do not recognize the source
If
your experiencing any or all of the above, it may
be that stress is now overwhelming your life. Certainly
many of the items above can benefit from or require
medical attention, but permanent changes (or prevention)
will require the implementation of a good stress program.
Components
of a Good Stress Program
- Visit
your physician for a check up to rule out legitimate
health issues
- Begin
a simple exercise program lasting at least 30 minutes
3 times a week
- Develop
and practice relaxation skills daily to counter
the stress reaction
- Identify
stressors in your life
- Prioritize
which ones to address first
- Develop
a plan for each one including measurable goals so
you can see progress
- Stick
to your plan
- Let
go of situations you do not control and focus your
energy on those you do
With
your physician monitoring your health, and a full
implementation of a stress management plan, you should
be able to manage the stress in your life more effectively
and improve your health and well being. You may even
begin to enjoy life more. If "stress" is
not currently an issue for you, following this plan
can only help to ensure that it never becomes one.
If you find that you continue to struggle even though
you are faithfully implementing your plan, maybe you
would benefit from professional assistance for a licensed
mental health specialist.
