What is Stress?
Stress is hard to define because it means different things to different people. However, we now know that the body’s response to stress (the fight or flight response) creates biochemical changes that harm our body and can lead to illness and disease. In fact, the American Institute of Stress estimates that up to 90% of all health problems are related to stress.
Certain life events are obviously stressful such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, or job loss. However, it is the response to the chronic, daily tensions and hassles that causes wear and tear on the mind and the body. What creates stress in one person does not necessarily create stress in another. Stress interferes with our emotional well-being and our physical health, and it impacts our relationships.
Life today is incredibly complex. Our fast-paced world leaves us little time to breathe, let alone relax. The good news is that there are many things we can do to alleviate the harmful effects of stress in our lives. I utilize a variety of proven relaxation techniques, stress reduction tools, guided imagery, and biofeedback technology to help you achieve equilibrium in your life. These tools can help you learn to manage stress and maximize your ability to respond appropriately to the challenges you encounter at work and in your everyday life.
Signs of Stress
- Fatigue
- Muscle Tension
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Relationship Problems
- Concentration Problems
- Anxiety
- Memory Loss
- Insomnia
- Depression
Some Tips for Dealing with Stress
- Exercise regularly
- Eat right
- Get plenty of sleep
- Plan your time
- Share your concerns with friends
- Set realistic goals
- Meditate
- Take a yoga class
- Practice relaxation techniques