Art-39

LIVING WITH STRESS 
By Rosemary Skinner SRN.

Stress is regarded as being a healthy condition. If you do not have a certain level of stress, life would be very boring and unexciting. Stress can be useful when it awakens our creativity and demands our best. Or stress can be harmful if it demands more of us than we have to give. In this present day, with the pace of modern living, stress plays a very big part in breaking down the defense mechanisms in the body.

Continuous high levels of stress can contribute to heart disease, hypertension, strokes, anxiety, migraine, insomnia, obesity, impotence and whole host of other problems. Most illness is related to unrelieved stress

How do we know if we are over stressed? Do you suffer from any of the above problems? If so how were they caused? Can you relate to any of the habits listed below.
1. Do you smoke ? ....Why ?
2. Do you drink more than 5 units of alcohol per week?... Why?
3. Do you overeat? ...Why?

How can we manage Stress?

What is the problem. Identify it. How do you respond?

Change: Can you take a break from a stressful situation. Can you take time out to make a change, and to seek help. Reduce your reactions to stress. Ask yourself "Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill". Are you over reacting to a given situation? Think positive. The glass is half full, not half empty.

Continue your relaxation. Develop new interests friends and relationships. Anticipate change, plan ahead to recovery. Eat a well-balanced diet. Maintain your ideal weight. Exercise regularly, prolonged rhythmic exercise, swimming walking and cycling are considered the most useful. Avoid stimulants, cola, coffee, cigarettes and alcohol. Relaxation techniques will help reduce muscle tension. Meditation, prayer, massage, reflexology and self - hypnosis are just a few methods that help.