by Katrina Murphy

Created on: January 31, 2008

Stress is the body's natural response to both positive and negative changes in our environment that stimulate the mind and body to take action. The occurrence of anxiety in our daily lives can become overwhelming, and even debilitating, but there are methods and advantages to coping with stress. Understanding the causes and approaches to handling stress are the first step to reclaiming control.

Tension and anxiety associated with stress is a primitive function of the mind, which has tendency to interfere at inopportune times. Our brains contain a receptor of stress, named the amygdala, whose sole purpose is to save our lives in matters of life or death.
The amygdala remains on constant state of alert for stressors so that it may send the body into "Fight or Flight" response at the hint of danger. In primeval times of man, the "Fight or Flight" response was vital to survival in that the brain prepared the body to battle a threat, such as an enemy, or run away from the menace, namely an angry wild animal. Though this mental function is essential, humans have not adapted to reduce its use with the added protection of modern times.

The term "stress" is negative though there are positive stressors as well. A positive stressor, eustress, is joyful and uplifting occasion arousing response. Eustress forms through major life changes, such as marriage, moving, new employment and having children. Though we are pleased with the situation, anxiety plays a role in adjustment to the new circumstances. Conversely, distress is the negative stress involved with undesirable conditions. Illness, job loss, divorce or loss of a loved one is common cause of negative stress. Regardless of type, stress reduction and management is imperative to physical and mental well-being.

-Stress Reduction-

~Just Say "No"~
Many of us are prone to taking on too many responsibilities in life in attempt to please others. Noble as it may seem, catering to the needs of co-workers, friends and relatives at all times does not allow the opportunity for personal attention. Setting and enforcing personal boundaries in one's life is critical to the reduction of unnecessary stress. A person is only as helpful to others as they are to themselves.

~Set Reasonable Goals and Follow Through~
Life can be hectic and demanding, leading us to undertake more tasks than we have time to complete. Know your time restraints and act accordingly. Writing a daily schedule is a helpful visual aid to understanding how much we can expect

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