Stress Management… Symptoms, Effects & Relief.

Stress management is easier said then done. Sure, everyone encounters stress at one time or another but if you are living with stress daily, not only is it not healthy, it doses not have to be the “norm” for you in your life. With over 100 years of combined experience, Joy Rich Healthcare is here to help! help you!

List of Stress Related Ailments

With a lack of stress management skills, you day may seem like it’s controlling you. It is the body’s response to the pressures placed on it by its environment day to day actions and expectations people put on us and we put on ourselves.
Here is a list of the various diseases caused because of stress.

1.) Depression Caused by Stress

Stress can either cause depression or exacerbate it in those already suffering from the illness. Poor sleep brought on by stress can also trigger depression in some people.

 

2.) Stress Related Headaches and Migraines

When we are stressed our body naturally tenses up; a bodily response to increased levels of hormones such as cortisol which control our fight or flight instinct. It is thought that tension is responsible for many of the headaches suffered, maybe as many as 80% and perhaps an even higher percentage for migraine headaches.

3.) Stress Induced Sleep Disturbances and Insomnia

Sleep deprivation has been used as a form of torture which perhaps illustrates the serious implications of lack of sleep. Lack of quality sleep alone will make us ill. The body repairs and rejuvenates itself while we sleep and if there isn’t enough sleep then the implications are obvious.

Poor sleeping patterns are a very common sign of stress. When we are anxious or over stimulated we find it difficult to sleep.

4.) Backache Cause of Stress

Most body aches including backaches are a form of stress induced illness. This is the most common result of constantly tense muscles which can lead to poor posture and body alignment. In addition, tense muscles are prone to injury and tears which will lead to soreness and general aches and pains.

5.) Heart Problems

The raised risk of heart problems and coronary disease from prolonged stress has been much in the news for several years now. Although the exact links are not known it is accepted that they are there nonetheless.

6.) Stress and High Blood Pressure

Continuously high blood pressure because of stress increases the risk of stroke and coronary disease.

7.) Colds and Other Infectious Illnesses

It is known that there is a link between high stress levels and lowered immunity which may mean picking up every bug that’s going. Although in most cases this isn’t serious there are some that believe that in the most ominous of cases the risk of cancer becomes higher. Research is being done on this at present to prove or disprove this theory.

8.) Stomach Ulcers Caused by Stress

Stress can lead to the secretion of excess acid which can harm the stomach wall and cause ulcers.

9.) Stress Related Digestive disorders

It is thought that the muscle tension that leads to conditions such as backache and migraines can also affect the body internally. Digestive system muscle contractions can lead to stomach cramps, digestive disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

10.) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

General fatigue and lethargy can arise from prolonged stress and in more severe cases will result in a chronic condition that has a serious knock on effect and other ill health implications.

11.) Fertility Problems and Menstrual Cycle Disorders

Severe stress can have the effect of temporarily suspending the menstrual cycle so it stands to reason it can also affect fertility.

This list of diseases caused by stress is not limited to just the above mentioned. It is a long exhaustive list that millions of people everywhere struggle with.

Stress is something which affects all of us at times and where it is temporary or manageable then will do little or no harm. However, where the stress is prolonged, it is clearly indicated that steps must be taken to address the issue before serious medical conditions arise.

As stress related ailments are so often serious it is advisable to seek medical advice in cases of severe or prolonged stress.

 

Some helpful tips of Stress Management.

 

Stop shallow breathing.

Take a deep breath! It is an immediate stress management skill. If you can get in the habit of realizing your stress level rising.. take a several, deep, controlled (no panting) deep breaths
Don’t just sigh; that is too often a sign of quitting or shirking a task.

 

 

Laugh.

A powerful tactic of stress management is to use your sense of humor by making fun of your situation and allowing others to laugh without anger or disputing. Laughter, whether it’s yours or someone else, is the best medicine–and it’s contagious!

Be organized.

For the most part stress management is easier than you think. Being organized and getting your priorities straight can help you break responsibilities down into manageable pieces and focus on the things that really matter to you, rather than getting caught up in details and creating extra work for yourself.. all of which leads to better Stress management

Doing too much = accomplishing less.

Don’t be so focused on what’s next that you lose site of right now. Finish one task at a time. This simple strategy helps many people feel a sense of accomplishment as they cross things off of their list rather than feeling like they are being buried by it.

Learn how to delegate.

Somethings can easily be delegated to others simply by asking. Whether it’s at home or the office, delegating can be a huge help to accomplish things from your list without feeling the stress build up!

Learn what causes stress in you.

Stress triggers are different for all of us. For me it’s being rushed, trying to do too much and not having enough time. Perhaps for you it’s spending too much or getting behind. Notice every time you find your stomach in knots. Pay attention to where it came from. Keep a list.

Do everything you can to avoid that list.

 

Get fit to help your stress management skills!

Perhaps your health and appearance are stressing you out, but even if they’re not an issue, being physically fit can directly help relieve stress, which exists on both a mental and a physical level.  Also, exercise releases endorphins; a feel good hormone. Chocolate releases endorphins as well (just only in moderation)!

 

 

***Please consult your primary care center prior to starting any exercise routine.

Stress Management can be helped. You DO NOT have to live with it everyday of your life.

As always, JoyRich Healthcare Centers is here to help you with this and many other issues of living a better life!

Call us today if we can answer any questions for you regarding stress or any other medical concern you may have.

We are here to help!