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Some stress in our lives is normal and healthy. It gets us up in the morning, helps us do our work and attain our goals. It is when stress becomes overwhelming and affects our wellbeing that it becomes problematic.

In order to address stress we need to be able to recognize the signs hopefully before they impinge on our physical and emotional welfare.

Physical signs include:

High Blood pressure; headaches; frequent illnesses; muscle pain particularly in the neck, back and shoulders; digestive problems such as nausea, indigestion, constipation; fatigue; change in weight.

Emotional signs include:
Irritability, short temper, impatience, excessive worry, anger, fear

Mental signs include:
Mind racing or going blank; confusion; decrease in libido; difficulty concentrating; confusion; difficulty making decisions; change in sleeping habits.

The sources of stress are varied:
Financial problems; social conflicts; work conflicts and unrealistic demands or loss of a job or promotion; marriage, birth, death of a family member; noise; loneliness; poor health; being a caregiver in the home; alcohol, drugs, poor nutrition and lack of sleep just to name a few!

What to do!

1. Identify the stressors if you are able to eliminate or reduce the
causes of stress do it! Your health depends on it. This may require changing jobs; downsizing to ease financial pressures, leaving an abusive spouse, changing your eating habits etc.
2. Ask for help from family members, friends, social agencies. Do whatever it takes to eliminate some of your stressors.
3. Make time for yourself everyday. Choose an exercise to quiet your mind such as meditation, relaxation exercises, prayer, warm baths, and/or massage.
4. Exercise. Decide on an activity that is enjoyable; not something that becomes an added stress. Simply walking can help one feel less stressed and energized.
5. Use humour. Laughing has been proven to lower the levels of stress hormones.
6. Think positively. There truly is a link between how we see the world and its effect on our health and life experience. See problems as opportunities.
7. Eat well. Eat foods low in cholesterol, sugars, and fat and high in nutrients. This helps the body manage stress and lessens the likelihood of developing a stress related disease.
8. Forgive. This does not mean you think the other person right, but that you will no longer allow them the power to have a negative influence on your life.
9. Talk to a professional.
10. Read. There is a huge assortment of excellent books on managing stress.
11. Avoid cigarettes and drugs, and drink alcohol in moderation.
12. Find an interest or hobby and allow yourself time to indulge and enjoy your diversion.
13. Learn to say no. Don't agree to do more than you have the time or energy to do.
14. Get the sleep you need.
15. Write down your concerns. Make a list of stressors in your life and set goals as to how to reduce them.
16. Last but not least sex can be a great way to relax provided you are with a committed partner. A one night stand could quite likely add to your stress.

Learn more about this author, Marie Garner.
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