subject: Learning About And Managing Daily Stress [print this page] Everyone deals with a certain amount of stress-whether it be from work, relationships, health, or circumstances beyond our control. If we learn how to better manage and control our stress, we can feel better, and live healthier.
Stress may be considered as any physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental unrest, and that may be a factor in disease causation. Physical and chemical factors that can cause this include trauma, infections, toxins, illnesses, and injuries of any sort.
Emotional causes of tension are numerous and varied. While many people associate the term "stress" with psychological issues, scientists and physicians use this term to denote any force that impairs the stability and balance of bodily functions.
Stress comes in all forms, and affects people of all ages and walks of life. No external standards can be applied to predict these levels in individuals.
One need not have a traditionally stressful job to experience workplace stress. The degree of it in our lives is highly dependent upon individual factors such as our physical health, the quality of our interpersonal relationships, and many others.
People with strong social support networks consisting of family, friends, religious organizations, or other social groups tend to report less stress and overall improved mental health in comparison to those without these social contacts. People who are poorly nourished, who get inadequate sleep, or who are physically unwell also have reduced capabilities to handle the pressures and stresses of everyday life, and may report higher levels.
Some stressors are particularly associated with certain age groups or life stages. Children, teens, working parents, and seniors are examples of the groups who often face common stressors related to life transitions.
People who are providing care for elderly or infirm loved ones may also experience a great deal of stress as caregivers. Having a loved one or family member who is under a great deal of anxiety often increases these levels within yourself as well.
Physical exercise not only promotes overall fitness, but it can help you to manage emotional anxiety and tension as well. For one thing, exercise can emotionally remove one temporarily from a stressful environment or situation.
Being fit and healthy can also increase your ability to deal with things as they arise. There are many ways to use structured relaxation and meditation techniques to help control these feelings and improve your physical and mental well-being.
While some types of meditation and relaxation therapies are best learned in a class, it is also possible to learn meditation techniques on your own. There are literally hundreds of different types of relaxation methods ranging from audio CDs, to group martial arts and fitness classes.
While this technique does not work for everyone, that does not mean it isn't worth a try. You may find something that will help you to relax and let go of tension.
Imagery, sometimes referred to as guided imagery, is the use of pleasant or relaxing images to calm the mind and body. By controlling breathing and visualizing a soothing image, a state of deep relaxation can occur.
This method can be learned by anyone, and is relatively easy to try out. Ranging from practices associated with specific religions or beliefs, to methods focusing purely on physical relaxation, meditation is one of the most popular techniques to achieve physical and mental relaxation.
There are thousands of different types of meditation, and many can be learned on your own. The meditative state is one in which there is a deep centering and focusing upon the core of one's being; there is a quieting of the mind, emotions, and body.
The meditative state can be achieved through structured (as in a daily practice of a routine) or unstructured (for example, while being alone outdoors) activities. While teachers of meditative arts are readily available, some techniques can be learned though books or online tutorials.
Try out a few different methods and see what helps to lower anxiety levels in your body. After all, a more relaxed you can be a healthier you.
If you are beginning to feel overwhelmed with anxiety, you might try taking a quick walk around the block, while practicing deep breathing. Imagine yourself in a place you greatly enjoy, or try visualizing yourself conquering the problem or issue you are facing-good luck!
