Stress
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:35
Stress is an unavoidable fact of life and it’s normal to feel stressed or anxious at some time. A certain amount of stress can be a good and positive thing as it keeps us lively and enthusiastic. Too much stress causes strain and tension and if those feelings persist or affect your life it’s important to seek help. Although people react to stress in many different ways, the effects on our bodies is often the same.
Excessive stress can affect you...
Short Term Symptoms of Stress
- Pale face
- Dry Mouth
- Muscle tension
- Faster breathing
- Less sensitive to pain
- More sensitive to touch
- Wide eyes and flared nostrils
- Edginess and feeling irritable
- Constant run down feeling
- Frequently passing water
- Short-tempered or angry
- Lack of concentration
- Faster heart beat
- Sweaty hands
- Feeling cold
- “Butterfliesâ€
Long Term Effects of Stress
- Headaches
- Heart
- Disease
- Back Ache
- Leg aches
- Appetite Loss or eating too much
- Finding life hard to cope with
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety, fear or panic
- Indigestion and ulcers
- Skin conditions
- Poor circulation
- Chain smoking
- Sexual difficulties
- Drinking excessively
- Sleeping badly or waking early
- Neck or shoulders aches/tension
Everyone experiences stress living in the modern world which encourages ambition, competitiveness, impatience, dissatisfaction, constant decisions or choice. If there are too many pressures or difficulties to solve at once, people sometimes feel they cannot cope. It’s not surprising that stress is a real problem and can be harmful so take time to relax, know your limits and find a balance in life that is right for you.
The Main causes of Stress
- Moving house of moving away from family and friends
- Childbirth, new baby or family demands
- Unemployment, redundancy, job insecurity, or change in job
- Money difficulties, low pay or Christmas pressures
- Death of a loved one, separation or divorce
- Retirement, isolation, loneliness or lack of challenge.
Finding a balance in life
The management of Stress is important and this can be done by:
- Learning to know your limits Identifying the causes of your stress
- Recognising and being aware of the danger signs
- Becoming more assertive and knowing what it is you want
- Taking time out to relax and keeping some time for yourself
- Trying to regain balance in your life
Cope with everyday stress by:
- Planning ahead – don’t leave things till the last minute
- Setting goals and priorities which are realistic Identifying the source of a problem – consider how you can change things
- Talking worries over – find support from family members, friends or a local group
- Taking up a new hobby - get involved in something you enjoy
- Become more active – regular exercise helps you feel fit and relaxed. Looking after your body by eating well
- Take time out to pamper yourself – try a relaxing soak in a hot bath
