Stress

What is stress?

Stress is your response to events or situations that call for a change, threaten the order or safety or your life, or otherwise place an unusual demand on your physical, mental, and emotional resources.  Reactions to stress vary and can take their toll, both mentally and physically.

Common symptoms include:

►Tense muscles that cause headache, backache, neck ache, or jaw ache

►Stomach pain, indigestion, bowel upset, ulcers

►Anxiety, nervousness, tension, depression

►Anger, irritability, restlessness or exhaustion

Some people react to stress by eating or drinking too much, losing sleep, or smoking cigarettes. Others may "take out" their frustration on those around them through yelling or abusive behavior. Managing stress is important not only for your health but also for successful relationships in your personal life and at work.

Coping Skills for Stress Management:

Get organized - Organizing the details of daily life reduces stress. Plan, schedule, and keep good records. Use calendars and "to do" lists.

Do it now - Do your most difficult and least pleasant tasks at the beginning each day when you are fresh. This avoids the stress of worrying about them all day.

Know your limits - Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Planning your goals will “even out” those stressful peaks and valleys.

Change your attitude - Train yourself to see stressful situations as challenges rather than obstacles. Ask, "What can I learn from this situation?"

Talk it over - Talking over difficult issues with someone you trust helps reduce stress and also helps you to form solutions.

Take a break - A two or three minute break in the middle of a stressful situation can give you a new outlook on the problem. A short walk can clear your mind.

Learn to say "no" - There are some demands over which you have no control. Separate those from activities over which you do have some control, and learn to say "no" to demands that are unreasonable.

Positive self-talk - In the face of a stressful situation you can manage with positive statements, such as, "I can handle this one step at a time," or "I've been successful with this before."

Treat your body right - You will be better equipped to handle stress if you eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and exercise regularly.

Take charge - Take responsibility for making your life what you want it to be. It is less stressful to make decisions and take action than to feel powerless by reacting to others' decisions. Decide what you want and go for it!