At women wellness seminars the encouragement is always the same. Deal with stress; find a way to relieve it. Seek therapy, a doctor, a support group.
Stress is when life's demands seem too heavy. You feel anxious and tense and may be aware that your heart is beating faster. That part of stress is why stress is a risk factor for heart disease. But, let’s discuss stress as a stand alone factor.
A certain amount of stress in our lives is unavoidable and a little may even be good for us. For example, some people claim they can accomplish more if they have a work deadline. Too much stress, however, is harmful. Your body responds to stressful situations by raising your blood pressure and making your heart work harder. This is particularly dangerous if you already have heart or artery disease or high blood pressure. Stress is more likely to be harmful if you feel helpless to affect the problem or situation.
At women wellness seminars the encouragement is always the same. Deal with stress; find a way to relieve it. Seek therapy, a doctor, a support group. It’s important to understand that your body reacts to stress in other ways, too. Symptoms like back pain, trouble sleeping, headaches, muscle aches, heartburn, upset stomach, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and weight gain or weight loss are often caused in part by stress.
Anything you see as a problem can cause stress for you. Different things may cause stress for other people. Stress can be caused by everyday matters as well as by major problems.
Symptoms may include:
- difficulty sleeping, tiredness, aches, pains, heartburn, indigestion
- change in bowel and bladder habits
- anxiety, tension, depression
- increased use of cigarettes or alcohol
There are techniques to relieve stress such as deep breathing, meditation, stretching your muscles, improving your diet, increasing your exercise, and learning to relax. Exercise helps your body cope with stress. Take up a sport, join an exercise group, or walk at least a mile a day. Try to exercise with other people because social contact helps relieve stress, too.
Relaxation releases muscle tension and calms the mind. Sit comfortably and tighten each muscle in turn for a few seconds, then relax it. Either start with your head and work downward or start at your feet and work upward. Do this every day. Massages, hot baths, listening to music or relaxation tapes are also good ways to relax. Stretching daily is part of a very healthy routine.
In conclusion, some stress is unavoidable. Driving to work is stressful, especially during rush hour. But this article is intended for you to take a deeper look at your stress, evaluate how bad your stress is and realize stress kills.
