The word ’stress’ is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “a state of affair involving demand on physical or mental energy”. A condition or circumstance (not always adverse), which can disturb the normal physical and mental health of an individual. In medical parlance ’stress’ is defined as a perturbation of the body’s homeostasis. This demand on mind-body occurs when it tries to cope with incessant changes in life. A ’stress’ condition seems ‘relative’ in nature.
At one point or the other everybody suffers from stress. Relationship demands, physical as well as mental health problems, pressure at workplaces, traffic snarls, meeting deadlines, growing-up tensions—all of these conditions and situations are valid causes of stress. People have their own methods of stress management. In some people, stress-induced adverse feelings and anxieties tend to persist and intensify. Learning to understand and master stress management techniques can help prevent the counter effects of this urban malaise.
“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.”
In a challenging situation the brain prepares the body for defensive action—the fight or flight response by releasing stress hormones, namely, cortisone and adrenaline. These hormones raise the blood pressure and the body prepares to react to the situation. With a concrete defensive action (fight response) the stress hormones in the blood get used up, entailing reduced stress effects and symptoms of anxiety.
When we fail to counter a stress situation (flight response) the hormones and chemicals remain unreleased in the blood stream for a long period of time. It results in stress related physical symptoms such as tense muscles, unfocused anxiety, dizziness and rapid heartbeats. We all encounter various stressors (causes of stress) in everyday life, which can accumulate, if not released. Subsequently, it compels the mind and body to be in an almost constant alarm-state in preparation to fight or flee. This state of accumulated stress can increase the risk of both acute and chronic psychosomatic illnesses and weaken the immune system of the human body.
Everyone goes through it from time to time. But going through stress for prolonged periods of time takes its toll on your health, both mental and physical, and it is important that you are able to recognize that you are stressed. There are several self-help methods of relieving stress that work very effectively – you can actually learn how to alleviate your own stress. It is unlikely that you can get rid of all the situations that cause you strain, but you can certainly change the way you react to them. As a woman you probably go through a lot of stress in your daily life, particularly if you are working as well as caring for children – so try out some ways to beat this gremlin! Everybody’s got to watch out for stress – it’s one of the biggest killers in modern society.
COPING WITH STRESS
Stress is something very personal. It depends on how we look and interpret what is happening around us. Only we can control our stress by learning to look at life differently. Here, let us take a look inside us and learn how we can nurture a positive environment.
Intervention Strategies And Their Applications
(1). Behavioral Rehearsal
(2). Cognitive Restructuring/Reframing
(3). Stress Inoculation
(4). Systematic Desensitization
(5). Anger Management
(6). Thought Stopping Techniques
(7). Control and Perception of Control
(8). Self-Esteem Enhancement
(9). Goal Setting
(10). Active (Reflective) Listening
(11). Strategies for Coping with Derivational Stress (Lack of Stimulation and Challenge)
(12). Modification of Life-style (Nutrition, Sleep, etc.)
Remedial Actions
(1). Change your thinking
(2). Change your behavior
(3). Change your lifestyle
Change Your Thinking
(1). Reframing
(2). Positive thinking
Change Your Behavior
(1). Be Assertive
(2). Get Organized/ Time Management
(3). Ventilation
(4). Humor
(5). Diversion and Distraction
Change Your Lifestyle
(1). Diet
(2). Exercise
(3). Drink Water
(4). Pet Therapy
(5). Meditation
(6). Deep Breathing
(7). Nature Walks and Imagery
(8). Hydrotherapy: A Warm, Hot Bath
(9). Music Therapy
(10). Sleep
(11). Leisure
(12). Pacing
Posted on June 24th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Reduce Stress
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