Sheila Ortiz Luis is a CEO of an international company that promotes medical resources for doctors. Most probably, you can catch her in a queue of her favorite coffee shop, the one with the logo of a white and green color of a siren.
"An order of one grande cafe latte please for take out. Oh, can you please hold the cream and sugar? Thank you!" you would hear this within an earshot, but she says this in a fast paced low voice.
She would then swiftly walk to her office building while sipping on the still hot coffee in her hand.
In her office, the bulletin board is filled with schedules and deadlines of her activities for the week and her staff are waiting for her in the conference room. This is her typical day, stressful, compact, but productive. That's how she works. With over six cups of coffee a day, business meetings and projects, she's a fine corporate mover.
Her main concern is her health, because recently, she has been experiencing more stomach upsets, tremors, increased urination. She also has increased irritability, indigestion, and feels like she is losing concentration.
Coffee's main active ingredient is caffeine. Caffeine is a drug that inhibits Adenosine (nucleoside that suppresses neuronal activity by increasing blood flow) The daily recommended allowance of caffeine should not exceed 200 to 300 mg/day or the equivalent of drinking two to three cups of brewed coffee a day. Intake of caffeine for a long period of time causes the first group of symptoms Sheila disclosed. Caffeine increases diuresis or urination, increase secretion of gastric acid producing stomach upset, and tremors from the blockage of the removal of epinephrine.
Any further continuation of excessive intake of coffee would cause effects in the body that would include; edginess and jumpiness due to elevated levels of adrenaline, weight gain due to overproduction of cortisol, and have physical dependence because of dopamine excess. Moderate consumption of caffeine or coffee, though would benefit her a lot.
The remainder of her symptoms are related to prolonged stress. In small doses, stress can increase productivity and boost energy. However, faced with the same circumstances day in and day out like Sheila, she may have been experiencing the toll of the effects of stress on her body.
The Mayo Clinic has devised some strategies for preventing setbacks from stress:
1.
Simplify your life
Instead of squeezing all your daily activities in a day, find some way to leave other things our.
2.
Manage your time wisely
Make a "to-do" list for home and work. Assign manageable portions of a huge project to yourself.
3.
Be prepared
Anticipate challenges even how trivial they might be. If possible, provide additional time to calm your nerves.
4.
Exercise regularly
Consider exercise as a form of a healthy distraction from the tension of work and home.
5.
Eat smart
A well balanced diet to provide fuel and energy to keep stress at bay.
6.
Adjust your attitude
Think positive. This will help you through stressful situations.
7.
Take a break
Take a break to clear your mind. Meditation or walking, whatever that will calm your mind.
8.
Relax
Even in as much as a few minutes, take time for yourself.
9.
Laugh
Laughter releases endorphins, a substance that helps you feel better and maintain a positive attitude.
10.
Let go
Take responsibility while not worrying about the things that are out of your control.
The next time you see Sheila in the coffee shop, that cup of coffee is her only cup for the day. Sipping slowly as she leisurely walks to her office building.
1. http://www.endicott-studio.com/jMA03Summer/theMermai d.html
2. http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2006/04 /27/1829125.htm#
3. http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health /emotion_stress.shtml
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine
5. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600
6. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-management/S R00038