STRESSED to DE-STRESSED
Signs, Symptoms, Prevention & Management Techniques
Stress is a condition in which our body responds to changes from its normal state.
What causes YOUR stress? Are there different types of stress? What are common signs/symptoms of stress? Is stress good for the body? What can I do to prevent/manage stress?
What causes stress?
Stress can be caused by multiple factors and can vary depending on the person. The two main or common types of stress are physiological and psychosocial.
- Mental/emotional stress- A body's response to a stressor in an environmental condition.
- Social stress- One looks at a perceived threat in our lives (real or imagined), and recongizes that it may require resources we don't have.
Are there different TYPES of stress?
There are multiple kinds of stress that can be caused by past, present or future problems.
- Short lived stressors- Can be a fear of yours or feeling uncomfortable.
- Brief stressors- Naturally occurring in our everyday lives.
- Stressful events- Traumatic/sudden event occurs.
- Long term stressors- Events that force change in everyday living.
- Distant stressors- Past stress that continues to affect you.
What are common signs/symptoms of stress?
There are several signs and symptoms that the body can experience during, before, or after stress. Some of the most common include:
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling overwhelmed or overloaded
- Frequent sweating/blushing
- Social withdraw or isolation
- Lack of sleep
- Weight gain or lose without dieting
Benefits and Consequences of Stress
Stress can be harmful to the body but can you believe there are actual BENEFITS to stress?
- Stress can increase brain power! Low levels of stress can stimulate the production of brain chemicals which strengthen the connections between neurons in the brain.
- Stress can motivate you to succeed! Stress may just be what you need to get the job done. Viewing a stressful situation as a challenge you can meet versus a task that is overwhelming.
Stress can also cause harm to the body by having too much which can lead to serious CONSEQUENCES.
- Stress can lead to mood or anxiety disorders. Be cautious of your body's normal behavior versus abnormal behavior.
- Stress can also cause a person to be "burn-out" with their life. Be sure to put equal amount of energy into all aspects of your live.
What can I do to PREVENT stress?
Stress is a manageable task. It is our job to stop a harmful situation before it occurs by prevention methods. Common prevention practices involving stress include:
- Physical activity- Exercise is a great way to relieve stress!
- Relaxation- Incorporate a set amount of time of relaxation in your day.
- Time management- Make a list of what needs to be complete, stick to a plan.
- Positive thinking- Self talk throughout the day. Focus on yourself.
If you are beginning to feel as if you cannot control your stress, common practices that could be helpful include:
- Self awareness- Make yourself realize the factors that are harmful to self.
- Adjustment strategies- Find out to deal with the stress for yourself.
- Stress seminars- An activity that will promote lifestyle changes.
- Relaxation techniques- Activities that will calm YOU.
If you are already experiencing pain on a daily basis in high frequencies there is training and steps that can be taken to reduce your stress level. Common practices include:
- Counseling
- Medical care and treatment
Are you experiencing DEFENSE MECHANISMS from your stress?
Defense mechanism is an automatic reaction from the body. Most are unconscious and we do not realize we are experiencing them. Common defense mechanisms involving stress:
- Denial- Refusal of admitting you are stressed.
- Acting out- Preforming extreme behavior that is uncommon to your personality.
- Dissociation- Losing track of time .
How do you MANAGE your stress?
A good way to reduce stress levels is to learn health coping strategies. Practice these strategies until they become a part of your every day life.
- Express your feelings.
- Do something YOU enjoy.
- Focus on the present time.