It’s all around us – everywhere we go. Why are people agitated, aggravated, annoyed, exasperated, frustrated, infuriated, irritated, and just plain pissy?

The answer is stress; too much stress overloading their system. Male or female alike, the problem isn’t particular to any gender, race, or religion. Stress attacks anyone.

The Mayo Clinic noted these warning signs of stress overload in 1980;

• Headaches
• Teeth grinding
• Shoulder, neck or back pain
• Chronic fatigue or insomnia
• Sexual dysfunction, infertility or menstrual problems
• Upset stomach or heartburn
• Sweating
• Irregular or elevated heart rate
• Unexplained pain
• Frequent colds or flu
• Skin problems
• Anxiety, depression or low self-esteem
• Anger, impatience or irritability
• Poor concentration or forgetfulness
• Speech or learning difficulties
• Overeating or not eating
• Increase in smoking, drinking or drug use

Amazing isn’t it – nothing has changed in almost 30 years! The warning signs are still reflective of stress overload. People are still stressed out and ignoring the base problem.

Not all stress is negative, nor should it be avoided. Stress can be the positive motivation to accomplish new goals.

The solution to dealing with stress overload is simply identifying the root of the situation. Although this isn’t always as easy to do as it sounds. Our lives are full of change and we are more than equipped to deal with change when we tune in to the root cause and respond effectively.

When you can’t identify the root cause, here are some helpful solutions;

· Deep breathing (can be done anywhere privately or in public)

· Clear your mind (focus on a positive image in your life, close your eyes and imagine yourself in the image)

· Muscle relaxation (feel the difference between tension and relaxation by tensing the muscles and relaxing them)

· Stretching (move your body, if sitting-then stand, stretch your arms in a different position, point your toes, lean your head from side to side

· Relabeling (change the negative responses into positives, ie: no one communicates – I’ll open the channels of communication, it’s too complicated – let me view this from a different angle, it’s not getting better – I’ll try it again, I’ve never done this before – I’m ready to learn something new)

· Smiling (this uses the muscles in your face and projects a different perspective)

· Laugh (laughter has always been the best medicine)

· Hugging a loved one (maternal instincts are stimulated which creates a secure sense of being)

· Sing or hum (creates a distraction from the perceived negative situation and involves using the creative part of the brain)

· Drink a glass of water (water helps the flow of blood, no sugar additives)

· Talk a short walk (provides a change of visual stimuli)

· Ask for help

· Pray (This should be your first choice. Accepting the reality of a higher power helps relieve the pressure or inadequate responsibility you are feeling)

Take a few moments right now while you are thinking about it and energize yourself with some of the suggestions above!