Manage Your Stress

(Family Features) - Stress is taking its toll on a lot of people. In the newest "Stress in America" survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), almost half of Americans say they are increasingly stressed about their ability to provide for their family's basic needs. Eighty percent say that the economy is a significant cause of stress.

Stress is the body's response to the demands of the world. There are two basic kinds of stress, acute and chronic. According to the Mayo Clinic, acute stress is your body's immediate reaction to a significant threat, challenge or scare. It's the classic fight-or-flight reaction. Job interviews and fender-benders are examples of stressors that can cause acute stress.

Chronic stress results from long-term exposure to acute stress. Stressors that can lead to chronic stress are often the day-to-day pressures that don't seem to let up - work problems, relationship issues and financial troubles.

Chronic stress can lead to physical problems such as headaches, fatigue, back pain, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, sleep problems, stomach upset and decreased immunity.

It can also affect your behavior, resulting in angry outbursts, over- or under eating, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, relational conflicts and drug or alcohol abuse.

According to the APA, the health consequences of extreme stress are most severe when people ignore symptoms and fail to manage their stress well.

Here are some ways that you can manage your stress:

Identify how you experience stress. Everyone experiences stress differently. You might get irritable, or have a hard time concentrating. Perhaps you get headaches or muscle tension. Keep track of your stress symptoms for several days to give you a better idea of how you respond.

Know your stress triggers. It's important to know where your stress comes from. If you know, you can take steps to deal with the cause and not just the symptoms.

Find healthy ways to manage stress. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends putting together a stress management plan that includes:

• Physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which promote good moods and positive thinking. It also increases blood flow to the brain and body, helping you feel better and think more clearly.
• Relaxation: Music, meditation, yoga and relaxation techniques help calm the body and the mind.
• Reaching out: Interacting with others lets you get your mind off your troubles and lift your spirits. It also keeps you from feeling alone. Talking with friends or professional counselors can be a good emotional outlet and a healthy way to work out problems.
• Taking care of yourself: Good nutrition and adequate rest go a long way toward giving your body what it needs to deal with stress. Junk food may feel good for a few minutes, but healthy food will help you feel good for a lot longer.

Stress is normal and something everyone experiences. But if you're undergoing chronic stress, you can take steps to deal with it in healthy, positive ways.

SOURCE:
Family Features