Managing Your Stress

Stress is a word that is used a great deal. But do we understand what it is and how it affects the body?

Stressed Basically, stress is the body's biochemical reaction to circumstances and events -- the stressors of life.

When a state of arousal or excitement exists in the body, a number of changes occur. If the stress is mild, there may be a feeling of tension but there is no great threat to the person.

However, under periods of extreme stress or pressure, all the resources of the body are brought into action. The body is prepared to confront or run from the problem. This mechanism is called "fight or flight".

Afterwards the body should return to its normal state, ready and waiting for the next stressor to trigger a response.

The problem occurs when there is unrelieved stress. If the body remains in its state of tension and is not relieved from its biochemical imbalance, you have a situation of distress. A number of symptoms may be experienced. These include nervousness, headaches, insomnia, chest pains, extreme fatigue, poor judgment, low work output, depression, and loss of control.

What can you do? Well, here a a few tips for you. Try them out.

Bushland
  1. Set realistic goals. Don't plan the unachievable. Doing so hinders rather than helps.
  2. Establish priorities. Organise your list of activities. Work on one thing at a time.
  3. Learn to say "No". Don't allow others to make you feel guilty.
  4. Allow for the unexpected. Leave blank time. Don't plan a program that is too tight.
  5. Keep a diary. It helps set priorities, and you will know what you are supposed to be doing.
  6. Take a break. Leave time for yourself.
  7. Consider enrolling in one of the free Health Courses on offer. Either of them could be recommended for you. The Health Course has in it a lesson dedicated entirely to helping those persons who are dealing with stress in their lives. Taking Charge of Your Life may be the one which deals more specifically with your problems. Go to our Free health courses page and check them both out.

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The photo on the right was taken at Parkerville, Western Australia, and shows native bushland -- an ideal place to unwind and take a peaceful moment.