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in 5 British workers physically ill; 1 in 4 reduced to tears in the workplace;
unprecedented demand for anti-depressants…..All due to stress.
Yet, stress is not always a bad thing. The American Psychological Association states
that “Stress can be the kiss of death or the spice of life,” depending on how
we manage it.
Imagine watching an adventure movie, say Indiana Jones
or Fast and Furious. Or riding a rollercoaster. When things get really exciting, the body’s
emergency response system kicks in, making you breathe faster, increasing your blood
pressure and heart rate, and really getting the adrenalin pumping as extra
glucose and blood cells rush to the rescue.
Once the situation that triggered this response has passed, the body
should return to normal. But if the stress
factor continues, the same mechanism can cause intense anxiety.
Much of today’s stress, of course, is far from pleasant,
but how we handle it can make all the difference to our overall mental and
physical health. Tobacco, excessive
alcohol, overeating or ‘vegging out’ in front of a TV or computer screen will
only make things worse.
According to the National Institutes of Health in the
US: “The best start to relieving stress is…..a well-balanced, healthy diet as
well as getting enough sleep and exercise.
Also, limit caffeine and alcohol intake and don’t use nicotine, cocaine
or other street drugs.” Other suggestions are regular breaks, hobbies and
spending time with friends and family.
Naturally, different types of stress require different
methods of coping:
Overstretched
schedule
For some people, it’s hard to juggle work and family
commitments, especially when there are children and elderly parents to
consider. But, no matter how packed your
schedule, it’s important to find time to relax – otherwise you’re unlikely to
help anyone, least of all yourself.
Prioritise, make sure you get enough sleep, and set aside much needed
’me time’. If your current schedule
won’t allow you to, maybe you should simplify your life. Do you really need
that top-of-the-range car? The dream kitchen? Or a designer wardrobe? So many people wear themselves out by chasing
after ‘things’ which can never make you happy.
Try to be satisfied with the quality of life rather than the amount of
stuff you can acquire!
Insecurity
In recession, job security and fears for the future may
hang heavily. People with consistent support from family or friends are less
affected by stress-related disorders, so being able to confide in someone close
is a real protection. On top of personal anxiety about the future, the news is
full of worrying events. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, violent crime,
accidents and illness are on every news item, which doesn’t make them any
easier to cope with.
Yes, there are plenty of worries to keep you awake at
night - if you let them! Try to avoid negative thinking – those ‘what if?’
disasters rarely happen and will only drag you downwards if you dwell on them.
Just take one day at a time, deal with every problem as it arises and, if
you’re a believer, pray about it.
Troubled
relationships
Spending 8 or more hours a day with a difficult boss or
colleague is bound to get you down. Should they annoy or offend you, it can be
hard to keep your tongue in check. But do try. Whereas a snide comment or angry
response from you can make the situation 100 times worse, time and time again
mildness has proved more powerful than rage, keeping tensions at bay and even
softening the other person’s attitude.
If someone ‘has words’ with you, perhaps criticising you
unfairly (at least in your view) try to keep the argument private, settling
things with dignity and respect. You may believe you’re in the right, but it
helps to see the problem from the other person’s angle and you may come to see
their grievance is valid. Even if they’re completely in the wrong, be
forgiving. People who bear grudges often have an increased heart rate and high blood
pressure, while letting go of any resentment will lower stress levels.
There’s no doubt, every human on the planet suffers some
form of stress. You may not be able to remove the causes; what you CAN do is to
deflect your own anxiety by helping others, by reaching out in some way. Giving
to others is one of the fastest routes to happiness and peace of mind – the perfect
antidote to stressful,and even traumatic, conditions.
