Stress

By Diane Lang

Stress:

We all have stress, it's a part of life. There is even such a thing as "Good Stress" Good stress motivates you to be the best person you can be, it pushes you ahead to grow and move forward in your life. Good stress could be a promotion at work, going on a date, etc.
When you have stress for too long and/or it affects your daily life and how you function it becomes a problem.
With the recession, fear of layoff's, both parents working - we know there will be stress but what's important is to know the signs so if you are stressed out and leaning towards "Burnout", you can get help.

Signs of Stress:

Physical - Aches and pains, headaches or migraines, back and neck pain, lock jaw, stomachaches, low immune system - getting sick frequently

Emotional/mental signs - irritable, cranky, lack of interest in activities that you usually enjoyed, isolation, sadness, nervousness, change in eating habits, change in sleeping patterns, depression

Panic attacks - if stress/anxiety is left untreated it could cause panic attacks. Signs of panic attacks -
Hot and cold flashes, feels like you have a brick on your chest, racing heart, dizziness ( could faint), nauseous or vomiting, nervousness

Consequences of having too much stress/anxiety for long periods of time- depression, Burnout, psychosomatic illness such as IBS, loss of friendships, jobs, etc.

If you have some of these symptoms for long periods of time, it's important that you get help through a counselor, social worker, medical professional and/or support groups.

Tips to stay mentally healthy:

1. Get plenty of sleep-Try for 8-9 hours
2. Exercise - walking 3-4 times a week. 20-30 minutes each walk is enough to feel the benefits.
3. Get support from friends and/or family members. If needed get professional help
4. Pay it forward - the more we help others, the better we feel
5. Appreciate - take a minute each day to appreciate and be grateful for what you have in life.
6. Say thank you to others - make sure the people you love know it. When we share gratitude and appreciation we feel the results instantly.
7. Socialization - a key factor to happiness is having a few good relationships.


Diane can be reached at Lifeline36@aol.com.
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