Hmm?!? So what is one thing that we definitely all have in common? STRESS. Stress in small doses can be helpful. It teaches us to perform under pressure and often motivates us to do our best. Yet if you are running in stress mode more often than not your mind and body will pay the price. When you are upset or feeling threatened your body goes into defense mode which automatic causes your body to go into a fight or flight. With everything going on in our lives now a days please look out for the signs. There are cognitive symptoms such as memory problems, inability to concentrate, poor judgment, anxious or racing thoughts and constant worry. There are physical symptoms such as aches and pains, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and or dizziness, loss of sex drive and more frequent colds. You may also have behavioral symptoms like eating more or less, increase in nervous symptoms such as nail biting or pacing, using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to relax, sleeping too much or not enough, procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities and isolating yourself from others. There are also emotional symptoms such as feeling overwhelmed, moodiness, irritability or short temper, agitation or an inability to relax, a sense of loneliness or isolation and depression or general unhappiness. The more of these signs you have the closer you are to stress overload. Excessive stress can cause problems sleeping, digestive problems, body pain, skin conditions such as eczema, depression, heart disease and autoimmune disease. Although everyone handles stress differently it is important to realize the signs and take action to minimize your stress level because your life depends on it. If you are feeling stressed try some of the following; listen to music, call a friend, eat right, talk yourself through the situation, laugh the situation off, deep breathing (Yoga is great for this), enjoy a glass of tea, be mindful of the situation (Meditation or Tai chi), get some rest/relax or exercise even if it’s only for a minute. Refocusing your energy and staying positive no matter the situation is very important.
Stress is indeed a part of life. Great tips for relieving stress - I am all for the yoga. I used to workout 2 hours a day to relieve the stress, but with my schedule and this quarter's heavy class load I haven't had a chance to do more than a brisk walk (fail). But I do plan on refocusing and getting back in the saddle this weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I've learned two other things this year that have helped tame the stress monster. Probiotics (not just yogurt, but pills) were proven to create a sense of well being based on neurochemical testing in mice. They're cheap, too. And (just in today's New York Times) thyroid should be checked because even if it is a little off it can really impact your energy and outlook.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. I think more people need to de-stress themselves and be happier. I used to be stress from work and school all the time. I noticed the lack of sleep and the body aches. Besides work outs and such to help, I got a dog. Best thing I could have done. Now everyday I just think about how great it is to take her on a walk or to the park and the stress just goes away.
ReplyDeleteit seems to me that people become easily stressed in our culture. Our culture promotes a 24–7 mentality, that is counter productive toward a nicely balanced life. During this holiday break I have found myself working rather than resting–whether it's working around the house or just trying to get caught up with my work in general. I wonder how many other people end up working during their time off?
ReplyDeleteStress is something we should learn how to handle and a young age. I know too many people who don’t know how to manage it and develop some crazy situations. I try to stay away from the drama or whatever but stress is more than drama, its apart of your life.
ReplyDeleteI hate reading about stress, because I'm on of those people that thrive on it. Which constantly makes me worry about the side effects. I've started drinking less coffee and taking relaxing tea breaks to take the edge off a bit. Starting to see a huge difference in my work ethic and personal well being already. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIn today's world I feel we are faced with more and more stress. It makes me wonder what our future has in store. Are our children going to be at a higher risk for menatl breakdown...and with todays healthcare cute what help will there be for them. Trying to use the tactics that I used as suggestions or relaxing with a cup of tes like Jake suggested...what can we do to lessen our day to day stresses? As Dr. McCarthy suggested even our relaxing moments seem to be filled with those moments of "lets get caught up"...When do we finally get a break? Time to truely relax. ~
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteGreat job on post about stress symptoms and how to de-stress during this time of the year!Because of work, school, friends, family we all have difference of things that stress us out. I like the idea of exercise or just do something to take our mind off. I usually just turn on a TV sitcom after work and laugh along or read a nice book. It will help me take my mind of things and get refresh up. Lots of time, I just play with my little niece and she will make me laugh and I forgot all about anything that bothers me. I guess family and friends are important to our health and our life.
Thomas