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Stress -Symptoms and Coping
What is Stress?
Stress is when you become anxious about something that appears to threaten your life or something that is harmful. Your body reacts to this in different ways. It may be physically, emotionally, or mentally. Professionals say that a chemical reaction in your body goes into protective mode and is the bodies way of allowing you to prevent this harm. Whatever it may be.
Some examples are rather than fighting; one goes into the flight mode. The heart will beat faster, breathing will be faster and your muscles will often tighten with a rise in blood pressure.
Think back to the conversation before your left work the other day when a co-worker or employee was complaining about something trivial. You had already been busy all day sorting out someone else's problems. If you had been in your car to leave; you might have let out the stress with a scream. I'll just bet you have been there; done that! Think back to disciplining the kids and all of them were laughing at you or being on the naughty side.
Remember the last time you were getting ready to change jobs? Part of you wanted to make more money, but you loved the atmosphere where you were working and could not decide which was the right decision. Feeling comfort in your current position, and an attachment, or going to a new company without knowledge of the working relationships, but more money.
The above descriptions are only minimal. There are so many facets in life that can cause us to stress out.
Stress Symptoms
There are Emotional, Physical, and other issues
Emotional:
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Feeling of being overwhelmed.
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You can't relax.
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You feel frustrated and agitated and sometimes have a moody disposition.
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Often you began to avoid being around other people. Depression often takes up existence.
Physical
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Low energy with aches and pains and muscle tensions
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Upset stomach with feeling of nausea, diarrhea or constipation
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Chest pains.
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Sleepless nights and trouble falling asleep.
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Feeling nervous, and sometimes shaking.
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Headaches.
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Some people will grind their teeth and tighten their jaws.
Other Issues
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You may begin to eat too much or not enough.
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Procrastination often with the inability to find or even start task
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Drinking alcohol, drugs or smoking may increase.
*this list is not all inclusive
How Long-Term Stress Can Affect Your Life
Never assume that feeling stressed out all of the time is healthy. Professionals have stated and we have always heard that a little stress every now and then is good for us. That said, there comes a time when you will need to see your doctor if the stress continues and know that long-term stress can have the following effects on you:
Depression, anxiety
Heart disease causing heart attacks and stroke
High blood pressure
Eating disorders *weight gain
Hair loss with skin issues such as acne and
Colon or gastric issues
How To Cope With Stress
How do we cope with stress so that it does not bring about anxiety in a debilitating fashion. In reading about so much good stuff to learn about myself and my own reactions to stress and life, it appears that “balance” is one word we can use to help us before we get to the stage of needing something more than reading an article.
Is there a way to find balance in this society that we live in today? It is said that balance is not a talent but a learned skill; one that must be practiced regularly and mindfully within our spiritual essence.
In so many words; there are not quick fixes to stress. We must look into the soul to answer these concerns. We as humans look for the quick fix because we need it now. When we have five projects going at work and reports in two weeks, plus the family needs some time together, parents need tending to, and so on and so on. Is there such a thing as balance with forty different issues pressing and on top of that the worry of what the future holds.
Okay, stop right there: Worrying about the future is senseless and without warrant. We cannot do anything about the future but live in balance and work today the best we can.
How To Limit Stress
- Make a list and prioritize
- Learn when to say no.
- Work on your ability to learn how to complete your projects; one at a time, without worry of what is next. You can only master one task at this very moment and do it well.
- Stop trying to be super mom or dad; you already are. If you have children, a career, are your own housekeeper, and have parents to care for; you are more than a super person.
- Realize that worry does not bring the expected results of anything. Worry will bring tension and just raise your blood pressure. If you expect the best results in any given situation; whatever turns out in most of the time; was for the best.
- If you can change something in your life to make it better, do it. If you can’t realize that some things are better left alone. Medicate, pray, believe, hope, and trust.
- Realize that worry and stress is taking time away from your peaceful living, your happy time with you family, and will affect a job well done; if it goes on long enough.
- Work on self-control.
- Weigh the facts with the circumstantial; more than likely the facts will lead you in the right direction in any area within your life.
Coping With Stress
What We Know For Sure About Stress
We know that stress is a part of life that will always be there in some form or fashion. What we must do is know when it is hitting us out of the ballpark and start our regimen of self-controlling it or getting that help from a professional. Never underestimate your minds control over your life. Meaning the power of 'changing your thoughts to something positive.'
And....
Have you run into anyone lately that you know is perfect? Perfection ruins a lot of people’s lives. There is not a way to do everything perfectly in life. We all make mistakes and we learn. We all have regrets we would like to change. We all need re-assurance sometimes. Find someone you trust; take a long walk, discuss, get it out into words, and let it go. Take a deep breath and remember;
“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it.”---Halford E. Luccock
Be Still and Smell The Daises
Quotes and Thoughts On Stress
Drag your thoughts away from your troubles...by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage. ---Mark Twain
If things go wrong, don't go with them. ....Roger Babson
Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.--Benjamin Franklin
For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe....Author Unknown
If you treat every situation as a life and death matter, you'll die a lot of times. ..Dean Smith
Note
Please note this is for self-help only and should not be mis-construed as professional help. I am sharing some insight that I hope will benefit someone. Consult your doctor if you find yourself to be overly stressed.