Managing Stress

What Is Stress?
Stress is produced when the body is forced to handle more than what is capable of or used to. The flight or fight syndrome is produced when the body kicks out adrenaline to speed up the heart, increase the rate of breathing and give the body a "burst" of energy. What has to be noted is that everyone at some point in their lives suffers with some form of stress, however each response is individual. Someone may find something stressful that someone else would enjoy, for example moving home. It is all about how the event is perceived and how it is tackled. When the task is too much, the body suffers stress.

Causes Of Stress
There are several causes of stress, as mentioned it is how the body deals with the event. Health concerns could be a major factor, especially if the body is suffering from a terminal illness, for example heart disease or cancer. Relationships can also cause stress, mainly when a couple are living together and there is a constant "atmosphere". A persons' emotional state can also trigger stress, for example, uncontrolled anger, grief or depression. The surroundings in which you live or work can contribute enormously. If you live in an area plagued by gangs and crime and hate the work you have to go to everyday, then slowly the pressure will mount. Life changing events can also be stressful. A good example is moving your partner into your home who say has two children who lives with them. Not only do you have to adjust to fit your partner into your surroundings you also have to compromise with the children, which means that cute little black dress you have been eyeing up for weeks is now on the backburner. Instead it's school uniforms and school trips.

Physical Common Symptoms Of Stress
These are usually the first tell tale signs that stress is taking its toll. From that little headache that came on before lunchtime, to the stiff neck and tight shoulders felt late in the afternoon, this is a sign that stress is affecting you. Progressing further is a back pain, mainly in the lower back and an upset stomach, causing diarrohea and vomiting. These symptoms need to be taken seriously and acted upon to prevent further symptoms.

Mental Common Symptoms Of Stress
These will often accompany the warning physical symptoms. Frustration and irritability are usually the first two, however can both be mis-judged for lack of sleep. A lack of concentration may also be present, along with the feeling of exhaustion and being slightly "on edge" and "jumpy". It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between depression and stress, however depression seems to be more involved than stress, so if you can pin point exactly what triggered you off, usually it is a case of stress.

Chronic Stress Symptoms
There are long term effects of mis-managed stress. The immune system is normally let down first... Welcome every cough, cold and flu in your area. For those suffering with an illness like HIV where the immune system is already vulnerable the effects can be much worse. Stress can also entice cardiovascualr disease to rear its ugly head. Included is high blood pressure, arrhythmia and atherosclerosis. Hence why those who have a huge amount of stress in one dose can fall victim to a heart attack. Muscular pain is not so serious, however it can be always present. Mainly in the neck, shoulders and lower back, the constant tension causes pain which can sometimes make the body inactive due to its severity. Skin problems can also flare up under a bout of stress. Acne and psoriasis are the worst two for it, so go to your GP for an increase in medication for these symptoms.

Relieving Stress
There are several stress relieving methods, however I am only going to embrace a few otherwise I could be here a while.

Taking a hot bath in a dimly lit quiet room can calm the senses. Muscles relax because of the heat and your senses are not subject to the battering they would have received that day (from work or kids, you decide).

Keeping a diary of when stress seems to be at its worst can help in the future, as if these moments ever arise you know to handle them differently and in a way that is going to be of benefit to yourself... Hence making yourself stronger.

If uncontrollable anger or frustration are a huge factor in stress then regularly express your feelings to stop the anger and the frustration building up. Even if it means telling the neighbours dog it has a face like a rat.

Meditation is a wonderful relaxation technique, especially with some quiet music playing to distract yourself from where you are and what has been bothering you.

Physical activity can burn the excess energy created by the stress, however be careful not to overdo it as your body will not know what has hit it.

Too Much To Deal With
If stress is still getting you down it may be wise to pay a trip to your GP or councillor. It may be you just need someone in confidence to alter the perspective you have of a situation or that you may need some time off to gather your thoughts and look closely at the factors that are imposing on your life.

Information researched from www.msn.com