Stress Management

Stress can be defined as a state of physical and mental tension caused by certain external or internal factors  in a person's life. The art of stress management is to keep yourself at a level of stimulation that is healthy and enjoyable. Life without stimulus would be incredibly dull and boring. Life with too much stimulus becomes unpleasant and tiring, and may ultimately damage your health or well-being. Too much stress can seriously interfere with your ability to perform effectively. By analyzing the likely causes of stress, you will be able to plan your responses to likely forms of stress. These might be actions to alleviate the situation or may be stress management techniques that you will use.

Some signs and symptoms of stress

• Tiredness/ Exhaustion

• Panic attacks and breathing difficulties

• Insomnia 

• Irritability, impatience, angry outbursts

• Pains almost everywhere, particularly digestive and abdominal.

• Increased reliance on alcohol, smoking, coffee etc.

• Muscle tension

• Loss of or increased appetite

• Anxiety

• Grinding teeth/clenching jaws 

• Nervousness/trembling

• Cold, sweaty hands

The mind's reaction to stress is harder to predict. These mental reactions vary according to the situation and the person. They may include feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, annoyance or frustration. Prolonged stress is a serious condition can lead to life threatening illnesses particularly high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks. 

Ways to reduce stress