Stress... What is Stress?

Stress is everywhere! Stress happens in our relationships, jobs, families, and life events. Stress can affect you both physically as well as mentally. Not all stress is bad, eustress, which is stress resulting from a positive stressor. Examples of eustress can be a job promotion, having a child, moving to a new city, graduation, a new job, winning the lottery.

Stress contributes to the first and second leading causes of death - heart disease and cancer. It is also a major factor in migraines, digestive problems, mental illness, chronic insomnia, high blood pressure, allergies, and the common cold.

Stressors are what causes one to become stressed. Here are some common Stressors that may be the reason why you feel stressed-out.

Financial problems
Health problems
Pressure at work
Not enough exercise
Poor diet
Personal relationship issues
Conflict with co-workers
Conflict with family members
No one to talk to

symptoms of excess stress

Unresolved stress can wear down your body. When you are under stress, your body is not able to react or function at full capacity. When this occurs, your immune system becomes compromised and you can begin to feel sick. Here are some common system of excess stress:

Fatigue or exhaustion
Tight neck and shoulder muscles
Feelings of anger
Feelings of anxiety
Insomnia
Headaches or migraines
Forgetfulness
Sadness, depression, or hopelessness
Colds or congestion
Indigestion
Poor appetite

stress management

Here are some ways to reduce stress and help you on your journey to a stress-reduced lifesyle:

Meditation
Yoga
Visualization
Journaling
Massage therapy
Communication
Exercise
Healthy eating
Time management

See which techniques works for you and stick with it. Stress will always be apart of our lives, but we need to be in control of our stress and not let our stress control us.

*Information from the Wellness Council of America*