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Stress is our psychological, physiological and behavioural
response to change, and stressors are the ever-present situations
that bring about change. The significance, meaning and
interpretation that an individual assigns to a stressor affects
how the individual will respond. Unanticipated, undesirable &
uncontrollable changes increase our stress response.
When faced with a situation, you automatically and immediately
evaluate the situation. You decide if it is threatening, how you
need to deal with the situation and what skills you can use. If
you decide that the demands of the situation outweigh the skills
you have, then your body responds with the “stress response.”
In the past, the demands of meeting basic needs used up the
stress response energy and returned the body to normal
functioning. In today’s society, we trigger our stress response
more often and have fewer outlets for the extra energy produced.
There are very few battles to fight and almost no places to run.
Our bodies need time to replenish their resources and when this
does not occur, our bodies begin to break down.*
To start addressing the negative effects of stress, try the
following suggestions:
- Recognize your symptoms of stress
- Look at your lifestyle and see what can be changed in your
work or family situation, or your schedule
- Use relaxation techniques, i.e., yoga, meditation, deep
breathing, or massage
- Exercise - Physical activity is one of the most effective
stress remedies around!
- Time management - Do essential tasks and prioritize the
others. Consider those who may be affected by your decisions,
such as family and friends. Use a check list so you will receive
satisfaction as you check off each job as it is done.
- Watch your diet - Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fats and tobacco
all put a strain on your body's ability to cope with stress. A
diet with a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and
foods high in protein but low in fat will help create optimum
health. Contact your local branch of the Heart and Stroke
Foundation for further information about healthy eating.
- Get enough rest and sleep
- Talk with others - friends, professional counsellors,
support groups or relatives about what is bothering you**
* Excerpt from the “Stress Sense” series of resource books)
** Partial list from “Coping with Stress” booklet on the CMHA
National website
To read about our Living with Stress presentation,
click here. |
