Stress is our mental, physical and behavioral response to anxiety-producing events.   Too much of which, can result in serious physical, psychological, interpersonal or performance problems.

Stress is quoted as the number one cause of many adverse health conditions; effectively reducing efficiency and productivity at work, causes increased irritability, work pressures and annoyance.  

Problems stress can cause include:

• Heart attacks or strokes
• Drug abuse
• Ulcers
• Physical illness
• Hypertension                 
• Migraines
• High cholesterol            
• Insomnia
• Depression  

Unless you find creative ways to understand and effectively manage your stress it will continue to create much havoc in your personal and professional life.

Signs and Symptoms of Stress Overload

Oftentimes because the term ‘Stress’ is used so loosely, many people do not understand what Stress really is or how it can effect their physical and mental disposition.  

In addition, obsession with the physical aspects of the body coupled with the fact that stress as a cause is not as easily identified, is another hindrance to effective coping and managing skills.

Some of the main symptoms of Stress may include:

• Muscle tension
• Fatigue
• Migraine headaches
• Back pain
• Problems in relationships
• Aggressive behavior
• Weight gain or loss
• Fears
• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety
• Inability to concentrate
• Spiritual emptiness

Ten Ideas For Reducing Stress

The first step to fixing or coping with any challenge is to first recognize and acknowledge the challenge.  

You must also note that not all stress is necessarily ‘bad’; hence, it is important to understand the complexities of stress and build your mental capacity to reduce its adverse affects on your personal and professional life.

Here are Ten for your consideration:-

1.      Work no more than ten hours daily.

2.      Allow at least half an hour for each meal.

3.      Eat slowly and chew well, without too much conversation.

4.      Cultivate the habit of listening to relaxing music.

5.      Actively cultivate the habit of walking, talking and moving at a slower pace.

6.      Smile and respond cheerfully whenever meeting anyone.

7.      Take 10 or 20 minutes daily (four times weekly) for physical exercise; preferably outdoors for the added benefit of fresh air and full spectrum light.

8.      If emotional and/or sexual relationships are upsetting you, seek advice.

9.      Practice giving yourself permission to ‘let go’ of things: projects, people, opinions, etc.

10.   Concentrate on the present; avoid the tendency to dwell on past events and future uncertainties.

Final thoughts…

1.      benefit of fresh air and full spectrum light.

2.      If emotional and/or sexual relationships are upsetting you, seek advice.

3.      Practice giving yourself permission to ‘let go’ of things: projects, people, opinions, etc.

4.      Concentrate on the present; avoid the tendency to dwell on past events and future uncertainties.

Final thoughts…

Stress is about attitude. Stress alone does not cause illness. Stress is neutral until it lands on us. What we choose to do about it determines how it will affect us.

Remember – if you continue to use ineffective methods of dealing with your challenges, you will continue to achieve ineffective results.  

You can become better prepared to cope; but it will only begin when you decide to positively employ new skills that will improve your life.

You have the personal power to make it happen.  

Michelle M. Miller is a certified Life-Coach and Stress Management Consultant.   She is the Principal Coach of the Coaching Studio, which located on Madeira Street, Palmdale.   Questions or comments can be sent to P.O. Box CB-13060 – email – coach4ward@yahoo.com or telephone 242-429-6770.