User talk:Speakingofstress

Stresss is one of this country's greatest challenges. If left unaddressed it results in tremendous heartaches, horrible frustrations and totally ruined lives. The leading cause of death in this country is heart disease. Many researchers tell us one of the biggest indicators or contributors to heart attacks is stress. There is undeniably and unquestionably a huge need for stress management. There are many contributors to stress. Time management, financial uncertainty, psychological issues, interpersonal conflict and family disruption are among the most common reported. It is estimated that from 70-90% of medical and ER visits have a stress related origin. The lost time and reduced productivity of our work force has been dramatically negatively impacted due to job stress.

Increasngly more and more research repeatedly points to stress as being a huge concern for our medical community. Stress itself does not neccessarily cause problems. It may be that the crucial factor is how one particular individual responds to stress. As stress mounts the immune system is weakened which then makes one more vulnerable to a variety of reactions.

Psychological symptoms may include depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, isolation, panic attacks, mistrust and can even lead to suicidal ideation. One can become forgetful, confused with memory lapses and possibly have seizures. There are accompanying physical symptoms such as increase in blood pressure, increased heart rate. chest pain and discomfort, stomach problems, rashes, weight gain or loss and migraine headaches.

As these symtoms intensify the risk for major system breadkdown dramatically increases. The first avenue of defense is a visit to a medical professional. A referral to a mental health professional can help diagnose and treat the problem. Therapy along with medications may be prescribed.

It is crucial for anyone struggling with overwhelming stress to take action. Besides seeking medical and other professional help there are certain things a person can do. You have probably heard of the obesity epidemic. Without offending anyone it is important to point out that inactivity is harmful. This can be addressed by beginning an exercise routine. One of the best ways to do this is to begin to walk and engage in other aerobics. You are never too old to do weight training. In addition to exercise watching what you eat can help. Stay away from fried, greasy, fatty and over processed foods. Be aware of two white poisons; sugar and salt. Drink plenty of water and natural fruit juice. Snack on fruits and nuts. Have a salad everyday.

Always have a positive attitude. Think big, dream, have a vision. Do something different: Be brave, bold and daring. Other stategies that help are to laugh more often. Tell a joke or watch a comedy. This leads to the release of endorphins that lowers your blood pressure and heart rate. Listen to music that is motivating to you and dance. Always remember to take deep breaths. Take a time out. Think of others, be generous, volunteer, call a friend or send a card.

One often overlooked strategy is to attend to spiritual issues. Connect with your maker. Examine your inner person, the soul or spirit. The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. Meditate on God. One of the biggest threats to long life is isolation. Visit a church. Be truthful, trustworthy and tenderhearted. Make certain that what you do lines up with what you believe. That is called integrity and character. Forgive yourself and others. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Let go and stop living in the past. Be mindful of and enjoy the moment. Appreciate nature, the woods, beach and mountains. Buy a plant, flower or plant a garden. Tickle a child or play with a pet.