Most people will feel tense at one time or another. However, what seems stressful to one person may not bother another person at all. A persons tolerance for stress will also vary. When you are over stressed, you may feel depressed and have less of a resistance to illness. Learning how to reduce or prevent stress can help to improve the quality of your life.
WHAT IS CAUSING MY STRESS?
Any major change in your life can cause stress. Any illness or the death of a friend or a family member will also create a great deal of stress. An argument with your spouse, moving, money problems, having a baby, or having too much on your plate at one time will also be factors in your stress levels. The loss of a job can be a major source of stress. Starting a new job can also cause you some anxious moments. An illness or an injury to yourself and a lack or sleep are other things that you may want to look at when trying to put a finger on you stress problems.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
People who are under a lot of stress will usually be anxious, tense, and even moody. (When my husband knows that I am under a lot of stress he will through his hat in the door when he comes home from work. If I do not chew it up, he knows that it is safe to come in. Some days-it is just the ice breaker that I need.) Many people may also experience skin rashes, stomach pains, wheezing, diarrhea, headaches, or back pain.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY STRESS?
There is no many magic pill or cure for your excessive stress. Your doctor may prescribe medication or even some muscle relaxation exercises for you to try. Since my heart attack, I have listened to relaxation or mood tapes and they seem to help. It may even be necessary for you to go to therapy so you can learn some stress management techniques.
TIPS FOR HELPING YOURSELF
1.) Talk things out with your family and friends. Many times it will help you just to get your feelings out and share your worries and fears with others.
2.) Don’t be hard on yourself if things do not always go the way that you have planned.
3.) Know what makes you feel tense and avoid those things if you can. There are some things that you will not be able to avoid and that is where your coping techniques will come in.
4.) Deal with problems one at a time.
5.) Take a time out when you feel stressed.
6.) Get plenty of sleep.
7.) Make time for fun.