Stress

 

Signs of stress

Physical Signs

Headaches, Muscle Tension and Pain, Stomach Problems, Sweating, Feeling Dizzy, Bowel and Bladder Problems, Breathlessness or Palpitations, Dry Mouth, Tingling in Body

Emotions
Feeling Irritable, Feeling Anxious or Tense, Feeling in Low Mood, Feeling of Apathy, Feeling Low in Self Esteem
Effects on What you Do

Temper Outbursts, Drinking or Smoking too Much, Changes in Eating Habits, Withdrawal from Usual Activities, Becoming Unreasonable, Being Forgetful or Clumsy, Rushing Around

If you have some of these signs it may be you are experiencing stress. These are some of the short term signs but long term health risks from stress are serious and include heart disease, high blood pressure, severe depression, stroke, migraine, severe anxiety, asthma, low resistance to infection, bowel problems, stomach problems especially ulcers, fatigue and sleep problems.

Can Life Events Cause Stress?

Some things that happen in your life can be stressful particularly ;life changes. If you have had one or more of the following life events occurring over the last year you will probably be more likely to be stressed and should take care to avoid further stressors, and try to take extra care of yourself.

Death of Partner, Divorce or Relationship Breakdown, Jail Term, Death of Close Family Member, Getting Married, Loss of Employment, Health Problems, Pregnancy, New Employment, High Financial Commitments, Serious Debts, Major Changes at Work, Partner Stops or Begins Work, Death of Close Friend, Changes in Living Conditions, Disagreement with Friends, Problems at Work, Changes in Leisure Activities, Minor Legal Problems, Problems with Neighbors

Is There a Person who is More Likely to Experience Stress?
Studies have shown that some people are more likely to experience stress than others. These people are known as "Type A" personalities. They tend to be more competitive and impatient and have tight time schedules compared to "Type B" personalities who are more relaxed and laid back in their style. If you would like to know which type you are looking at the following list may help you decide:
TYPE A

Must Get Things Finished, Never Late for Appointments, Competitive, Cant Listen to Conversations, Always in a Hurry, Don't Like to Wait, Very Busy at Full Speed, Trying to More than One Thing at a Time, Want Everything Perfect, Pressurised Speech, Do Everything Fast, Hold Feelings in, Not Satisfied with Work.
TYPE B

Don't Mind Leaving Things Unfinished for a While, Calm and Unhurried about Appointments, Not Competitive, Can Listen and Let Other Person Finish Speaking, Never in a Hurry even when Busy, Can Wait Calmly, Easy Going, Take One Thing at a Time, Don't Mind Things not Quite Perfect, Slow and Deliberate Speech, Do Things Slowly, Express Feelings, Quite Satisfied with Work, Many Social Activities
How Can I Help Myself To Cope with Stress?
HOLIDAY - Try to plan at least one each year, with a change in activities and surroundings
OPEN UP - If your relationship is part of the problem. Communication is very important
WORK - Is that the problem? What are your options? Could you retrain? What aspects are stressful? Could you delegate? Could you get more support?
TRY to concentrate on the present. Don't dwell on the past or future worries.
OWN up to yourself that you are feeling stressed - half the battle is admitting it.
BE realistic about what you can achieve. Don't take too much on.
EAT a balanced diet. Eats slowly and sit down, allowing at least half an hour for each meal.
ACTION PLANS - try to write down the problems in your life that may be causing stress, and as many possible solutions as you can. Make a plan to deal with each problem.
TIME MANAGEMENT - plan your time, doing one thing at a time and building in breaks. Don't make to many changes at once in your life.
SET PRIORITIES - if you could only do one thing, what would it be?
TALK things over with a friend or family member or someone else you can trust and share your feelings with.
RELAXATION or leisure time each day is important. Try new ways to relax such as Tai Chi. Relaxation exercises are described more fully below.
EXERCISE REGULARLY - at least 20 minutes two or three times a week. This is excellent for stress control. Walking is good - appreciate the countryside.
SAY no and don't feel guilty.
SEEK professional help if you have tried these things and still your stress is a problem.
If you want us to help you with stress relieve and relaxation then please contact us on the methods shown below
Tel: 0781 6458977

Email info@hullkatsu.co.uk