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About Stress
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Stress in our lives
Stress is definitely a word we hear a lot these days. The World Health Organization calls stress, "A global epidemic." According to a study conducted by the Industrial Society, stress at work is having a negative impact on nine out of ten companies. It is estimated that this costs businesses a staggering £75 billion annually. Rapidly increasing health care costs can be attributed to the escalation of stress related disorders. Such complaints account for an astounding 75-90% of all visits to doctors.
Scientists worldwide now consider an overload of stress to be a significant factor in a large percentage of present day disorders. These stress disorders can include anxiety, depression, asthma, ulcers, high and low blood pressure, some heart disease, pain without obvious cause, some skin conditions, phobias, allergies, eating disorders, excessive anger, chronic fatigue etc.
Stress - What exactly is it?
Stress is a very natural and important part of life. Our body is designed to cope with stress and we all thrive under a certain amount of pressure.
For example, stress can help encourage us to face up to challenges, keep us alert, and motivate us to work out our problems. Low levels of stress are usually controllable and can be thought of as necessary and natural stimulation. However, too much stress, which occurs when our bodies over-react to situations, can cause all sorts difficulties. When we refer to stress we usually mean the sort of negative stress that makes our lives difficult. This type of stress could more appropriately be called distress.
To some, this type of stress describes the frantic pace of everyday life. To others, stress is what we feel during times when life is unbearably difficult and we feel overwhelmed. What is seen as stress to some people can be viewed as a source of enjoyment to others. Think of sky-divers for example! Some people seem to thrive on situations most of us would find too demanding. Others crumple under fairly mild pressure.
Stress is a very normal, natural reaction. From a biological viewpoint, stress is simply the body's physical reactions to change.
Stress is simply the response we experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment.
Indeed, stress is something that is absolutely vital to keep us out of danger. For as long as mankind has existed, stress has helped us respond in a suitable manner to life-threatening situations, many of which we seldom encounter today. Without this appropriate response to stress, the human species would have become extinct long before now!
Of course, there are times when an appropriate response to a higher than normal level of stress is still vital today. Nowadays, such stress might help us when we are faced with physical danger. For example, it might help us avoid a traffic accident. We might also need it when we are participating in sporting activities that demand sharp wits and speedy reactions.
Unfortunately we respond to many every day circumstances as if they were matters of life or death. Our bodies really don't know the difference between a life-threatening situation and having to wait in a long queue at the supermarket check-out! It is how we interpret what happens in our lives that determines how our physical body responds. Our whole system tends to go on red alert when we view something as frightening or overly demanding. On the contrary if we think of the situation as controllable we can remain ready to act without becoming excessively anxious or distressed.
The more we perceive danger (social or physical), the more powerfully our body will respond.
Chronic stress can occur when we are faced with an overwhelming situation. It may also be triggered by a series of smaller stressors with no time for recovery in between. If the stress response remains switched on for a prolonged period of time, we are much more likely to succumb to a stress-related illness. This occurs whether the stressful situation is real or exists only in our mind. Basically, in order to avoid the negative effects of stress we have to modify our over-reactions to situations.
Always remember that it is not the situation that is stressful, but the way you choose to see it.
Adverse health effects of stress
There are many harmful effects of prolonged stress. The following are some of the most widely experienced:
*Stress can cause sleep problems, leaving us exhausted and more vulnerable to accidents and poor health.
*Stress can make us depressed, anxious, nervous and grumpy. As a result stress can make it difficult for us to relate well to other people.
*Stress can affect concentration, making us perform poorly at home, work and school.
*Stress can cause us to feel lethargic or bored.
*Stress can make us less able to think for ourselves
*Stress can cause weight gain or weight loss.
*Stress can cause lack of confidence.
*Stress can rob us of our sense of fun and enjoyment of life.
*Stress can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to flu, colds and other ailments.
*Stress can cause us to discard a healthy lifestyle. This in turn may trigger various health problems, which in turn can increase stress.
*Stress can cause or exacerbate some digestive troubles.
*Stress is a significant contributing factor in many ailments. For example, stress can be a factor in heart disease, high blood pressure, headaches, arthritis etc.
*Stress can trigger changes in the lungs which may increase the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
All of the above are the unwanted consequences of stress that may be avoidable. For our own well-being we must learn to avoid creating unnecessary stress. Effective stress management can prevent the damaging consequences of stress.
If you think you may be suffering from the negative effects of stress you can follow my 10 simple steps to minimise your stress.
Or why not just call me now to find out how I can help you manage your stress?
And remember that I offer you a no change, no charge guarantee with your first treatment. You are also welcome to book a free initial consultation to find out more about Complete Mind Care techniques and how they can help you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Please feel free to call me, Shonagh Paterson, now on 01808 521386
Or you can send me an e-mail if you require further information on stress management.
(It's best to phone if you wish to book an appointment.)
You should note, however, that it may take several sessions for us to deal with your problem as fully as possible. Your 100% commitment and willingness to complete your treatment and make the appropriate changes to your lifestyle also play an important part in the success of your treatment. Your motivation to practise any simple self-help techniques I might give you are crucial too.
Shonagh Paterson, Stroma, Farr, Inverness, Highland IV2 6XG
(only 4 miles from Inverness)
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Click here for 10 simple stress management tips
Specialising in stress management, smoking cessation and the rapid and effective treatment of fears, anxiety, phobias and panic attacks.
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