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Stress Busters
By Chris Chenoweth
Stress is the way our bodies and minds react to something which upsets our normal balance in life. An example of stress is the response we feel when we are frightened or threatened. During stressful events our adrenal glands release adrenaline, a hormone that activates the defense mechanisms in our bodies, causing our hearts to pound, blood pressure to rise, muscles to tense, and the pupils of our eyes to dilate.
Constant aches and pains, palpitations, anxiety, chronic fatigue, crying, over or under- eating, frequent infections, and a decrease in your sexual desire are signs you may notice which indicate you may be under stress. Of course, every time we are under stress, we do not react to such an extreme and we are not always under such great duress or fear every time we are confronted with a stressful situation.
Anything that overwhelms us can cause us to experience stress. The illness or death of a family member, the loss of a job, and difficulties in relationships, are examples of situations, stressful enough to cause physical or psychological symptoms.
Some people are more susceptible than others to stress. For some, even ordinary daily decisions seem insurmountable. Deciding what to have for dinner or what to buy at the store, is a seemingly monumental dilemma, and there are those who seem to thrive under stress by becoming highly productive while being driven by the force of pressure.
Research shows women with children have higher levels of stress-related hormones in their blood than women without children. Does this mean women without children do not experience stress? Absolutely not! It means that women without children may not experience stress as often or to the same degree which women with children do.
This means for women with children, it is particularly important to schedule time for yourself. You will be in a better frame of mind to help your children and meet the daily challenge of being a parent, once your stress level is reduced.
Reducing stress also reduces your risk for heart disease, the number one killer of American women, and certain types of cancer. Many women who experience PMS and menopausal symptoms will find the severity of these symptoms improved dramatically, once a reduced stress level is achieved.
Untreated stress leads many people to depression, anxiety, headaches and a host of other complaints. This makes reduction of stress an important factor in improving your total health.
HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME STRESS IN YOUR LIFE:
Cut out artificial stress reducers, such as alcohol, which can mask symptoms and often make symptoms worse. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are high in complex carbohydrates, moderate amounts of protein, and low in fat. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine that can increase anxiety.
Aerobic activity such as vigorous walking is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve overall quality of life. Walk or do whatever type of exercise you feel comfortable with.
You may prefer to join a health club. If you do join a health club, go often and make it your special time. Do not concern yourself with your family while you are working out. This is your time.
Go outdoors whenever possible. A little sunshine and activity can have amazing ramifications on your stress level and will enhance your entire outlook towards life. Your improved attitude will have a positive effect on everyone in your family and/ or circle of friends.
Things that seem overwhelming will soon become trivial matters, causing you to wonder what the predicament was. Not only will you be less stressed, you will be healthier, happier, and more energetic, ready to face whatever obstacles come your way.
Aromatherapy can be a tremendous help for alleviating stress. Try using five or six drops of lavender oil in a warm bath or put two or three drops on a cloth and inhale from time to time during the day.
Often we reach for a cup of tea or coffee to placate our aplomb. Next time, try tea made with chamomile, passionflower, valerian, or ginseng as some herbalists recommend, and CUT DOWN on the coffee.
Give yourself permission to be a kid again. What did you enjoy when you were a child? Draw, paint, be creative. Play with Play-dough, dance, or read. Play music.
Allow yourself freedom to express yourself without worry that you are not keeping with the image of who you are supposed to be. Just relax and enjoy yourself. We all have a little child in us and it is a good idea to allow expression of the child within from time to time.
Do not set unrealistic for goals for yourself. Many of us set ourselves up for defeat simply by setting unrealistic goals. For example, if you are dieting, realize you cannot lose 40 pounds in one or two months. Or maybe you are trying to reach a goal of obtaining a particular job position.
Whatever your goal is, allow sufficient time to reach your goals and realize occasional setbacks may occur. If you reach your goal without any delays, you will be even happier with yourself for arriving more quickly than you planned, but do not expect it. In fact, do not expect anything. Expectations and reality are often two entirely different things.
Learn it is okay to say no occasionally. Often, many of us feel we have to say yes to everyone. Every time we are asked for help, we feel that we must respond in a positive fashion.
However, remember, you cannot be all things to all people. You must first meet your own needs before you can truly give others what they need while at the same time keeping yourself happy.
You do not have to do everything your family, friends, and others ask. Of course you can help others, but first make sure you have done what is necessary to take care of yourself. Make time for yourself, your number one priority.
Once your own needs are met, you will find you have more time for others. You may find more pleasure in helping others when you do not feel that you must always put others needs before your own.
Other ways to beat stress include deep breathing exercises, massage, guided imagery and a healthy sex life. A healthy sex life will do a great deal to reduce the stress in your life if it is with someone you are comfortable with.
However, if you are having relationship problems, forcing yourself to participate when you are not really happy, will probably do more to increase your stress level rather than reduce it. This will only exacerbate the problem.
The first thing you need to do is resolve the issues that are causing your difficulties. If your stress is the result of a specific event such as a death in the family, your physician may prescribe anti-anxiety medication that can be highly effective for short- term stress relief, but such drugs should not be used on a continuing or long- term basis.
When you are facing an unpleasant circumstance, remember what your mother or grandmother probably told you. Take a deep breath and count to ten before saying or doing anything. Taking a deliberate pause can be an instant tranquilizer, producing a calming effect, and allowing you extra time to reassess the situation before taking possibly regrettable actions on impulse.
If at anytime stress is interfering with your life and making it impossible to meet the demands of your normal daily activities, try the suggestions listed above. If you are still experiencing abnormal stress, see your physician. Sometimes it is necessary to ask for help.
About the Author
Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business: http://www.money-home-biz.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/author-articles/1507/1.html
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