STRESS
WHAT IS IT?
Stress is nothing more than the body's reaction to change, either positive or negative, in our lives. A new baby, getting married, or a promotion can be as stressful as a death in the family or the loss of a job.
When a stressful situation occurs, a signal is sent to the brain for reaction. The body becomes ready for "fight or flight". The brain stimulates the endocrine glands to release larger quantities of hormones, including adrenaline. The heart beats faster, blood vessels constrict, respiration increases and the body gets ready for action.
As a stressful situation subsides, the body begins to repair any damage caused by the reaction and begins to relax. The body remains alert if the stress does not go away. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to exhaustion and disease. Diseases such as migraine headaches, heart's irregularity, hypertension, and digestive disorders have all been linked to stress.
As previously indicated, major life changes cause stress in an individual's life. But it is important to recognize that smaller events are also stressful. A meeting with the boss, or even a strategically located rip in one's pants can cause stress.
HOW CAN ONE COPE WITH STRESS?
Many times, it is difficult to change the amount of stress experienced from day to day. What can be changed, however, is the way one copes with stress. Below are listed some suggestions of ways to deal with stress at work and at home.
l. Time management -- plan your workday and set priorities. Make a list of those things to be accomplished within the day. Cross them out when accomplished. Be realistic.
2. Time out -- during a break, or lunch, take a short walk, chat with friends, or play a game of cards.
3. Exercise -- jog, play tennis, walk, bicycle, jump rope, roller skate, etc. Get active, and do it regularly. Exercise helps to release pent-up emotions.
4. Talk about your problems -- confide in a friend, family member, or whomever you feel comfortable with. Don't keep frustrations bottled up.
5 Relaxation -- try to learn a few deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques.
6. Recognize your limitations -- try to accept what you cannot change and work with those things you have control over.
7. Sleep -- get enough sleep. Sleep is one of the body's best relaxation.
8. Balance work and recreation -- recognize that work and play are both important.
9. Avoid self medication -- be aware of when and why you may drink, or take prescription or non-prescription drugs.
COPING STRATEGIES
A list of specific suggestions for dealing with stress are listed below:
l. Identify your major sources of stress (work life, home, people problems, organizational stresses, environmental, interpersonal conflicts, etc.). A check list like, "What's Bothering You?" is helpful here.
2. Resolve the question of responsibility/control for each stress. Is this problem my responsibility? How much control over this stress do I have?
3. Eliminate or modify those stresses you can do something about.
4. Accept those things which you have no control over, and improve your coping skills in dealing with them, such as:
Improving communication skills
Practice good time management principles
Improve problem solving skills
Reconsider your value system, what is really important to you, set priorities. Develop "stress filters" such as optimistic attitude, tolerance, patience. Make the principles of love your motivation and compelling force of life and then relate to all people this way.
5. Add balance to your life, in work, recreation, periods of relaxation -- don't become a workaholic.
6. Develop self image. Be kind to yourself. Don't put yourself down. Learn to accept yourself and love yourself as well as others.
7. Conserve vital energy needed for coping. Get adequate sleep, eat balanced meals at regular times, avoid smoking, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and other factors that are harmful or debilitating to the body.
8. Get regular, vigorous exercise. It's a good release for stress and increases your resistance to the effects of stress.
9. Develop special interests and talents in which you excel. Get involved in activities and hobbies that you find especially interesting. Becoming engrossed in enjoyable activities is the best way to forget your problems.
10. Develop a trusting relationship with your creator who made you and knows your needs. Turn your worries over to Him and then do your best. He'll bless.
Stop and smell the flowers, while avoiding the thorns!
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