| Stress is the word that many people use when they are describing
how the demands of their life seem to be becoming too great for them
to cope with. This Ability to cope varies from person to person and
what one person finds stressful may not be a problem for another.
Whilst many of us suffer with stress at times in our day to day lives,
long term stress is known to be bad for our health and many of us
would like to find ways to gain some control over it. If you have
skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis stress can make your condition
become more aggressive. So have a read to see some of the suggestions
on how to overcome stress and what other help may be available.
What are the signs of stress
The signs of stress vary from person to person but here are some
of the most common ones. Do you recognise any of them n yourself?
Physical Signs
• Headaches
• Muscle tension or pain
• Stomach problems
• Sweating
• Feeling dizzy
• Bowel or bladder problems
• Breathlessness or palpitations
• Dry mouth
• Tingling in body
• Sexual problems
Emotions
• Feeling irritable
• Feeling anxious or tense
• Feeling in low mood
• Feeling of apathy
• Feeling low in self-esteem
Effects on what you do
• Temper outbursts
• Drinking or smoking to much
• Changes in eating habits
• Withdrawing from usual activities
• Becoming forgetful or clumsy
• Rushing around
If you have some of these signs it may be you are experiencing stress.
These are some of the short term signs but long term blood pressure,
severe depression, stroke, migraine, severe anxiety, asthma, low
resistance to infection, bowel problems, stomach problems especially
ulcers, fatigue and sleep problems.
Can life events cause stress?
Some things that happen in your life can be stressful particularly
life changes. If you have had one or one or more of the following
life events occurring over the last year you will probably be more
likely to be stressed and should take care to avoid further stress
and try to take "extra care' of yourself.
Is there a type of person who is more likely to experience stress?
Studies have shown that some people are more likely to experience
stress than others. These people are known as 'Type A' personalities.
They tend to be more competitive and impatient and have tight time
schedules compared to 'Type B' personalities who are more relaxed
and laid back in their style. If you would like to know which type
you are tick along side the relevant type A or type B. If most of
your ticks are on the A Type then you will be more prone to stress,
if both A's and B's then you are a little prone to stress, if mainly
B's then you are less likely to suffer from stress!
Type A
• Must get things finished
• Never late for appointments
• Competitive
• Can't listen to conversations interrupt, finish sentences
for others
• Always in a hurry
• Don't like to wait
• Very busy at full speed
• Trying to do more than one thing at a time
• Want everything fast
• Hold feelings in
• Not satisfied with work/life
• Few social activities/interests
• If working will often take work home
Type B
• Don't mind leaving things unfinished for a while
• Clam and unhurried about appointments
• Not competitive
• Can listen and let the other person finish speaking
• Never in a hurry even when busy can wait calmly
• Easy going
• Take one thing at a time
• Don't mind things not quite perfect
• Slow and deliberate speech
• Do things slowly
• Express feelings
• Quite satisfied with work/life
• Many social activities/interests
• If in employment limit time working to work hours
How can I help myself to cope with stress?
Studies have told us that the first step in tackling stress is to
become aware that it is a problem for you. The next stage is to
make a plan to take control of the causes and effects of stress.
Here are some practical ways to take control of stress.
Holiday - try to plan at least one each year with a change
in activities and surrounding.
Open up - if your relationship is part of the problem. Communication
is very important
Work - is that the problem? What are your options? Could
you retrain? What aspects are stressful? Could you delegate? Could
you get more support?
Try to concentrate on the present. Don't dwell on the past
or future worries.
Own up to yourself that you are feeling stressed - half
the battle is admitting it!
Be realistic about what you can achieve. Don't take too
much on.
Eat a balanced diet. Eat slowly and sit down, allowing at
least half an hour for each meal.
Action plans - try to write down the problems in your life
that may be causing stress, and as many possible solutions as you
can,. Make a plan to deal with each problem.
Time management - plan your time, doing one thing at a time
and building in breaks. Don't make too many changes at once in your
life.
Set priorities - if you could only do one thing what would
it be?
Relaxation or leisure time each day is important. Try new
ways to relax such as aromatherapy, reflexology or yoga.
Exercise regularly - at least 20 minutes two or three times
a week. This is excellent for stress control. Walking is good !
Say no and don't feel guilty
Seek professional hep if you have tried these things and
still your stress is a problem.
Taken from an article published by NHS Primary Care Trust 2001
Page created: 13 October 2008
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