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Warnings signs of stress overload

Practical strategies to relieve stress

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Stress - More About

With everything that is going on in the world, the situation in Iraq, the concerns with the economy, and fear of terrorism coupled with the everyday demands of work and personal life, it is common for people to feel anxiety and stress. It is our ability to cope with it that can impact our long-term health.

Stress is the body's response to a sense of danger - the "flight or fight" response. The process begins in the brain at the hypothalmus. At the first sign of trouble it signals for the release of the hormones adrenaline, norepinephrine, glucocortoids, and cortisone from the adrenal gland. These hormones enter the bloodstream, sending an alarm to the amygdala in the temporal region of the brain. The amygdala then relays a signal to the rest of the brain that there is a potential danger.

In short, the body goes on high alert. Glucose is produced to provide additional energy and blood pressure rises to help the body's muscles. The hormones continue to circulate until either the danger passes or the body becomes exhausted. The "flight or fight" response is nature's way of protecting us from predators or other dangers. The problem arises when the body perceives danger as ever present. The result is a chronic stress response may have serious health implications. Physiological symptoms may include loss of sleep, muscle ache, teeth grinding and increased symptoms of disease. People may become tense and irritable and have increased headaches. Chronic exposure to stress can lead to increased risk of heart disease and other illnesses.

Warnings Signs of Stress Overload

If you are experiencing some of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing stress overload:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Inability to concentrate on tasks
  • Rage or anger
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Changes in sleeping habits
  • Feelings of depression, anxiety or helplessness
  • Frequent headaches
  • Physical ailments such as lower back aches and stomach problems

Practical Strategies to Relieve Stress

  • Engage in regular physical activity. The exercise does not need to be strenuous, especially if you are unused to exercise. Even taking a fifteen-minute walk or working in the yard can be very helpful.
  • Keep in touch with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Talking with others and sharing your concerns, while listening to theirs, keeps you connected to a community or group that has common bonds and experience.
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol. In addition to the obvious health risks, drugs and alcohol obscure issues and confuse your perceptions.
  • Take time out for relaxation. Step back from your busy schedule and plan time for yourself and something you like. Perhaps you can exchange some of the time you spend watching the news or reading about the day's events to listen to some music, read a book, go to a movie or a concert or play with your children.

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For further information, support, and help on Stress, you may try the following:

Top Articles:

Top Tips for Dealing with Stress:

  1. Identify your stress levels before the symptoms.
  2. Quantify the amount of stress you are experiencing.
  3. Understand the reasons why the person or event causes you stress.
  4. Realize your vulnerability to various stress symptoms.
  5. Recognize the trigger events that cause you stress.
  6. Deal with each stress producing life issue one at a time.
  7. Take ownership for your own personality traits which produce stress.
  8. Strengthen your physical, emotional, and social coping skills.
  9. Let go of issues or events you cannot control.
  10. 10. Resolve stressful situations as quickly as possible.

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