Stress - we are all familiar with it and encounter it in our lives. In fact, stress seems to have become a modern day epidemic. Advances in technology have contributed to improvements in life for many; however, these same advances have also resulted in a more stressful lifestyle. The Internet, email, fax machines, blackberries and cellular telephones are commonplace in today’s world. Unfortunately, the conveniences that make communication easier also contribute to our stressful existence. Do you know that over 80 percent of Americans feel they experience too much stress in their lives? We certainly have more situations to deal with and more schedules and appointments to juggle than did our parents. Unfortunately, the amount of time available to deal with these situations remains unchanged, as there are still only 24 hours in a day. The key is to find a way to balance our lives so we are not too overwhelmed.
So how do you recognize if you are under too much stress? Stress is different for everyone, but there are signs that can be indicators that you have too much stress in your life. They include the following:
- Sleep difficulties -- difficulty falling asleep, frequent or early awakenings
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks
- Forgetfulness
- Frequent illness, such as the common cold and other viruses
- Increased use of alcoholic beverages
- Increased irritability -- hypersensitivity, argumentative, or increased anger
- Physical and mental fatigue
- Increased use of over-the-counter medications such as Tagamet or Aspirin
- Physical ailments, such as headache, nervous diarrhea, constipation, or sexual problems
- Difficulty getting going
- Scheduling more activities into less time
- Being more accident prone
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Loss of interest in sex
If stress is not addressed, it could lead to physical and emotional problems, including depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, or other health disorders.
Although stress is part of everyday life it does not have to control us. We can, in fact, use stress to work for us instead of against us. Some stress can add excitement to life, as long as it is managed effectively. The key to making a friend of stress is knowing how to gain that sense of control.
Below are some ways of managing daily stresses:
- Recognize your stress cues - anxiety, anger, gritting your teeth, feeling of frustration.
- Manage your time effectively -- Set a realistic list of tasks to accomplish for the day. This will keep you from becoming overwhelmed by an overly ambitious agenda for the day.
- Take breaks during the work day -- this allows you to replenish and maintain your balance.
- Make the most of support and leisure.
- Learn how to delegate responsibility.
- Stay away from non-prescribed controlled substances and use alcohol moderately, if at all.
- Maintain a regular exercise regimen. Mental fatigue often dissolves with physical activity.
- Maintain proper nutrition -- eat regular meals, limit sodium, sugar, and caffeine.
- Use relaxation techniques.
- Clarify your values - determine what is important to you in life.
- Realize that everything will not go your way.
- Prepare for change - expect things to change and look upon change as an opportunity.
- Recognize when to seek professional help.
