How Do I Know If I'm Suffering From Stress and Tension? Each person handles stress differently. Some people actually seek out situations which may appear stressful to others. A major life decision, such as changing careers or buying a house, might be overwheling for some people while others may welcome the change.
Some find sitting in traffic too much to take, while others take it in stride. The key is determining your personal tolerance levels for stressful situations. Stress can cause physcial, emotional, and behavioral disorders which a can compromise health, vitality, and peace of mind, all of which may affect personal and professional relationships.
Too much stress can cause relatively minor illnesses like insomnia, backaches, or headaches as well as potentially life-threatening diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Can you identity negative reactions to stress and tension?1. Do minor problems and disppointments upset you excessively?
2. Do the small pleasures of life fail to satisfy you?
3. Are you unable to stop thinking of your worries?
4. Do you feel inadequate or suffer from self-doubt?
5. Are you contantly tired?
6. Do you experience flashes of anger over situations which used to not bother you?
7. Have you noticed a change in sleeping or eating patterns?
8. Do you suffer chronic pain, headaches, or back aches?
TIPS FOR REDUCING STRESS AND TENSION
If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and/or family's) learn to say NO! Eliminate an activity that is not absolutely necessary or ask someone else for help. You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle. If you meet resistance, give reasons why you're making the changes. Be willing to listen to other's suggestions and be ready to compromise
2.Shed the "Superman/Superwoman urge.
No one is perfect, so don't expect perfection from yourself or others. Ask yourself: What really needs to be done? How much can I do? Is the deadline realistic? What adjustment can I make? Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it
Just ten to twenty minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stresss as well as increase your tolerance to it. Use the time to listen to music, relax, and try to think of pleasant things.
Use your imagination and picture how you can manage a stressful situation more successfully. Whether it's a business presentation or moving to a new place, many people feel visual rehearsals boost self-confidence and enable them to take a more positive to a difficult task. .
5.TAKE ONE THING AT A TIME
For people under tension or stress, an ordinary work load can sometimes seem unbearable. The best way to cope with this feeling of being overwhelmed is to take one task at a time. Pick one urgent task and work on it. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one. The positive feeling of "checking off" work is very satisfying. It will motivate you to keep going. A great example of this can be seen in the movie "Jerry McQuire featuring Tom Cruise.
6. Exercise.
Regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress. Twenty to thirty minutes of physical activity benefits both the body and the mind. Hobbies. Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy. Whether it's gardening or painting, schedule time to indulge your interest.
Healthy life style. Good nutrition makes a difference. Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol (alcohol actually disturbs, not helps, regular sleep patterns) get adequate rest, exericse and balance work and play.
7. Share your feelings.
A phone call to a friend lets you know that you are not the only one having a bad day, dealing with a sick child, or working a busy office. Stay in touch with friends and family. Let them provide love, support, and guidance. Don't try to cope alone.
8.Go easy with criticism.
You may expect too much of yourself and others. Try not to feel frustrated, let down, disappointed, even "trapped" when another person does not measure up. The "other person" may be a wife, a husband, or child whom you are trying to change to suit yourself. Remember, everyone is unique, and has his or her own virtues, shortcomings, and right to develop as an individual.
Information obtained from the National Institute for Mental Health with additional information by Eric D. Graham
graham_34_99_2000@yahoo.com
