Stress Management

What is stress management?

Stress management is the mastery of specific skills that help reduce the negative effects of stress on the body and mind.

Techniques of stress management include diaphragmatic breathing, mental imaging, and progressive muscle relaxation.

How does stress occur?

Going to school, starting a new job, marrying, raising a family, being promoted, growing old, and facing illness can all be stressful. A certain amount of stress in our lives is unavoidable and a little may even be good for us. Some people claim they can accomplish more if they have a work deadline. Too much stress, however, is harmful. Symptoms like back pain, trouble sleeping, headaches, muscle aches, heartburn, upset stomach, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and weight gain or weight loss are often caused in part by stress. Many office visits to healthcare providers are for conditions related to stress.

What are the symptoms of stress?

Symptoms of stress vary from person to person, but some general signs are:

• chronic fatigue
• change in appetite
• increase in alcohol, drug, or cigarette use
• change in bowel or bladder habits
• body aches and pains not caused by exercise
• change in sleeping or waking patterns
• change in behavior or emotional patterns

How long do the effects of stress last?

Stress is a part of living. You can't avoid it. What you can change, however, is how you react to the stresses of life. This is important because if you are feeling high levels of stress over a long time, worsening symptoms or even diseases are more likely to occur.

How can I take care of myself?

Taking care of yourself starts with recognizing the unhealthy ways you may deal with stress. For example, some people drink too much alcohol or eat unhealthy food when they are stressed. Once you know how you normally respond to stress, you can then try a healthier approach.

The following recommendations are some of the ways you can reduce the effects of stress on your life:

• Get support. Talk with family and friends. Consider joining a support group in your area.
• Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Try deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
  • Do something just for yourself. Getting a new haircut or having a therapeutic massage can do wonders when you're under a lot of stress.
  • Recognize the things that upset you and try to develop a positive attitude toward those you cannot avoid.
  • Simplify your life. Don't try to do too much. Set goals you can achieve. Learn to say "no."
  • Find ways to relax: talk with supportive people, take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, take walks.
  • Try not to "self-medicate" with food, alcohol, or over-the-counter medicines. Covering up a problem can make the stress even worse.
• Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs, because they can make your symptoms worse. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Check your medicines. To help prevent problems, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and other supplements that you take.
• Contact your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any questions or your symptoms seem to be getting worse.