Keep Calm: This Blog is About S.T.R.E.S.S.

Tonight I want to talk about chronic stress. This is the kind that can damage your body in many ways. Did you know that your heart and blood vessels are especially responsive to stress and often suffer the brunt of its impact on the body? Unfortunately some people have not learned to deal with stress.  Instead, they chose self-destructive habits. Stress signs come in two forms: Physical and Psychological. Sometimes we deal with acute stress. An example of this is when a problem comes up that needs to be solved. You get energy from out of no where! You are amazed at all that you can accomplish! However, if it continues, it can turn into chronic stress. I talk to many people who don't deal with stress until they are sick.  You do not have to wait. You can take action as soon as you recognize that you are under stress. Did you know that cold hands and feet are a sign of stress?  Here are some more signs according to Frank Cox:

Physical Signs

1. Pounding of the heart
2. Rapid, shallow breathing
3. Dryness of the throat and mouth
4. Raised body temperature
5. Feelings of weakness, light-headedness, dizziness, or faintness
6. Trembling; nervous tics; twitches; shaking hands and fingers
7. Tendency to be easily startled (by small sounds and the like)
8. High pitched, nervous laughter
9. Stuttering and speech difficulties
10. Insomnia
11. Grinding of the teeth during sleep
12. Restlessness
13. Sweating (not necessarily noticeable); clammy hands, cold feet
14. Blushing; hot face
15. The need to urinate frequently
16. Diarrhea, ingestion, upset stomach, nausea
17. Headaches
18. Premenstrual tension; missed periods
19. Body aches
20. Increased use of substances
21. Accident proneness
22. Frequent Illnesses

Psychological Signs

1. Irritability, tension, or depression
2.  Impulsive behavior and emotional instability; the urge to run and hide or cry
3. Lowered self esteem; thoughts related to failure
4. Excessive worry; insecurity; concern about other people opinions, self-deprecation in conversation
5. Reduced ability to communicate with others
6. Excessive boredom; unexplained dissatisfaction with job
7. Feeling of isolation
8. Avoidance of activities
9. Irrational fear about specific things
10. Irrational thought, missing planned events, forgetting more than usual
11. Guilt about neglecting family or friends; inner confusion about duties and roles
12. Excessive work; omission of play
13. Inability to organize oneself; tendency to get distraught over minor matters
14. Inability to reach decisions; erratic; unpredictable decisions
15. Decreased ability to perform task
16. Inability to concentrate
17. General anxiety
18. Nightmares
19. Feelings of powerlessness, mistrust of others

So with every problem, I believe there is a solution!

1. EXERCISE- You knew this would be first! Physical activity strengthens stress resistance. No excuses with this one. JUST DO IT ALREADY! Tomorrow, go for a walk. You must start somewhere.

2. ATTITUDE CONTROL- You can change the way you react so that events are not as stressful. This is easier said then done but you can harness the energy and use it to your advantage.

3. TIME MANAGEMENT- Efficiency with time management will change your world. You have 24 hours to get it done. Think of time, the way you think of money. You can save it. I say do it now. Procrastinating leads to more stress. You can use it as you go. You can borrow from the future and hope you will find the time later to do things you have to do. Make a time budget. Sounds cool huh. I am simply saying to have a schedule. Know your limits too. Do not spread yourself thin.

Here are some stress strategies from Webb, Whitney, and DeBruyne:

1. During ordinary times maintain a program of strong personal wellness
2. Be sure to include regular physical activity
3. Cultivate high self-esteem
4. Maintain a positive attitude
5. Manage Time Wisely
6. Take on tasks only within your limits
7. Practice assertiveness to maintain your limits
8. Monitor your body for stress warning signs
9. Release tension by crying, laughing, talking with friends, and by ALLOWING YOURSELF TIME TO RELAX. (with BeautiControl of course)
10. If stress is intense, take everything away that  you have no control over. I am telling you now to let it go! Deal with what you can deal with.
11. If stress is unmanageable please seek help. It doesn't make you crazy or anything like that. It's wise to seek counsel.

If you need to relax, email me at yahrasieldavis@yahoo.com. No matter where you live, I will find a BeautiControl consultant to bring the spa to you.

Yahrasiel Colbert
The Real Spa Girl