Stress is a normal and natural part of life. In fact, without stress, we would not perform optimally. Research has consistently found that feeling some degree of stress before we perform an important task, such as taking an exam or going into a job interview, enhances our performance. In addition, stress (within limits) actually protects us from injury. For example, when you’re crossing a busy intersection, you want to feel a certain amount of stress because it increases your adrenaline level and sharpens your senses so that you can focus on the goal – getting across safely. These are all examples of “good stress.”
However, too much of a good thing can be bad, and that adage holds true for stress. Chronic or excessive stress with little or no relief from it is what we refer to as “bad stress.” Bad stress is dangerous to your health; in some cases, deadly. Over time, it not only can have a significant effect on your physical health, but your emotional health as well. Below are some of the ways in which stress can negatively impact your life.
Signs that Stress is Taking a Physical Toll
* headaches,
* shortness of breath,
* chest pain,
* fatigue,
* insomnia,
* overeating,
* heart disease,
* high blood pressure,
* lowered immunity,
* ulcers,
* autoimmune diseases,
* physical exhaustion
Signs that Stress is Taking an Emotional Toll
* depression,
* anxiety,
* irritability,
* anger,
* panic attacks,
* drug and alcohol use,
* emotional exhaustion,
* loss of concentration,
* forgetfulness,
* loss of productivity,
* feelings of hopelessness
Obviously, such symptoms can be highly disruptive to your life if left unchecked. The question is, in today’s highly stressful world, what can be done to reduce stress. Fortunately, there are a lot of options, ranging from free to fairly expensive, but whatever the costs, they clearly outweigh the costs of doing nothing.
Free Stress Reducers:
* Sleep
* Long, warm bath or shower
* Laughter
* Mediation
* Taking a walk at sunrise or sunset
* Visiting the beach or a public park
* Avoiding caffeinated beverages
* Turning negative thoughts into positive ones
* Managing your time more effectively and prioritizing
* Checking out a good book from the library and reading it
* Checking out a comedy movie from the public library and watching it
* Taking short breaks from whatever you’re working on to rejuvenate
* Connecting with friends and family for stress-free time away from what’s stressing you
Minimal Costs:
* Long, warm bath with a few drops of lavender, a natural stress-reliever
* Pot luck dinner with friends
* Eating a healthy, balanced diet
* Exercising at home (could be free depending on how you exercise)
* Journaling (writing down your thoughts and feelings)
More Costly:
* Working with a therapist experienced in stress management techniques
* Massage
* Yoga classes
* Exercise at a gym
* Going on a vacation
There is no way to escape stress, but there are ways to reduce it. The key is finding the strategies that work best for you, your lifestyle, and your budget, and incorporating them into your routine for a healthier and happier life.