| Stress can be an insidious disease that robs you | | | | cram more into their schedules, achieve more at |
| of peace, and even good health. Stress is meant | | | | work, and fail to recognize the symptoms of |
| as a response mechanism to help your body | | | | overload. Physicians recommend heading stress |
| recognize danger and muster the courage to try | | | | off before it becomes so severe that it takes a |
| something new. It's what helps your body focus, | | | | physical toll on your body. Watch for these signs |
| face tough situations, and gives you strength, | | | | of stress overload and learn to deal with them |
| heightened alertness to danger and even stamina | | | | before it's too late: |
| when you need it most. | | | | -Emotional Upheaval, such as mood swings, |
| When the human body is provoked by stressors, | | | | anxiety, difficulty falling or staying asleep, sadness, |
| (anything from a simple argument with a | | | | anger, trouble concentrating, excess worry and |
| co-worker, to waiting in line at the grocery store, | | | | overwhelming feelings of not being good enough |
| to something as serious as being involved in a car | | | | or sadness are all signs that stress is taking its toll |
| crash, or even mugged), it responds by activating | | | | on your body! |
| the nervous system. The hypothalamus then tells | | | | -Physical Signs such as tiredness, sweaty palms, |
| the adrenal glands to release more adrenaline into | | | | throbbing headaches, trouble eating (stomach |
| the bloodstream. | | | | upset), or overeating, as well as muscle tightness |
| These hormones are what cause the heart to | | | | can all be a sign of stress overload. |
| race, palms to sweat and blood pressure to rise. | | | | -Behavior Changes, such as overreacting, acting |
| Pupils in the eyes suddenly dilate to improve vision. | | | | on impulse, using alcohol or drugs, withdrawing |
| Blood vessels throughout the body widen to allow | | | | from relationships and changing jobs often can |
| more blood to flow to important organs. The liver | | | | also signal trouble. |
| even releases glucose to give the body a sudden | | | | Once the signs of overload are recognized, it's |
| energy boost. This natural stress response can be | | | | important to deal with them right away. Most |
| very beneficial, helping to prepare a person to act | | | | stress experts agree that once stress overload |
| quickly, and more effectively handle the situation | | | | has manifested itself into physical, emotional and |
| at hand. | | | | behavioral ways, it may be necessary to seek |
| When Stress Goes Bad. | | | | professional help. In the meantime, here are a |
| This stress response is necessary in an | | | | few simple things anyone can try to help alleviate |
| emergency, but when normal everyday stressors | | | | some of the stressors in their lives: |
| build over time, with little or no relief, this normal | | | | Learn to Relax. |
| (and healthy) stress response can turn on the | | | | Easier said than done, but learning how to relax |
| human body, causing a multitude of physical | | | | can help most people alleviate much of the stress |
| ailments. When the nervous system remains "on," | | | | in their lives. Learn yoga or deep breathing |
| do to continuous stress, the body can begin to | | | | exercises. Take time to go for a walk, read a |
| wear down, leaving the person feeling | | | | book or do something that you really enjoy. Take |
| overwhelmed, and the immune system | | | | time alone every day to just sit peacefully. |
| overworked. Most people have experienced the | | | | Stay Healthy. |
| physical signs of stress from time to time | | | | Eat right. Exercise. Sleep at least 6-8 hours every |
| including: stomach pains; chronic diarrhea; fatigue; | | | | night. Get help from your doctor when the stress |
| headaches; insomnia; shortness of breath; weight | | | | becomes too much to handle alone. A healthy |
| loss (or gain); and even shortness of breathe. But, | | | | body is better equipped to handle daily stressors. |
| many fail to realize that severe stress overload | | | | Avoid Over Scheduling. |
| can also lead to much more serious ailments such | | | | Today's hectic lifestyle, both a home and at work, |
| as: high blood pressure; angina (chest pains); Type | | | | is a leading cause of stress in modern society. |
| 2 diabetes; increased asthma attacks; and even | | | | Stop trying to fill every minute of every day with |
| heart attack and stroke! Too much stress can be | | | | activities and projects. Take time to simply rest. |
| very bad for the human body. | | | | Do nothing for an entire weekend. Help your body |
| Signs of Stress Overload. | | | | and mind rejuvenate itself, by giving it plenty of |
| Stress is an epidemic these days, with nearly 80 | | | | peaceful moments. |
| percent of the American population reporting | | | | Stress was designed to help our body, not hinder |
| feelings of extreme stress at work every ingle | | | | it. Unfortunately, our inability to handle the ongoing |
| day, not to mention home and family stressors, | | | | stressors of modern life has created an epidemic |
| it's no wonder doctor's offices are packed with | | | | of overworked and overstressed people who |
| patients exhibiting anxiety and stress-related | | | | must learn how to better deal with their stress in |
| symptoms. Stress overload is becoming more and | | | | order to have a happier, and healthier life. |
| more serious, as modern society continues to | | | | |