Stress happens. It’s a normal part of our daily lives. But it is how we react to and manage stress that affects
toll that stress will take on our lives. Overwhelming amounts of stress can lead to back pain, headaches, raised blood pressure, indigestion, sweating, palpitations, irritability, and anxiety. It can also contribute to development of such diseases as cold sores, ulcers, and heart disease. Are you feeling stressed out? Take following stress test to see if stress is causing you problems and if so, read on to learn how to manage stress in your life.The Stress Test
Do you try to do everything yourself and feel overwhelmed when you are unable to?
Are you exhausted?
Do you avoid exercise?
Are you often irritated at yourself and others?
Do your friends, co-workers, and loved ones often tell you that you often make a “big deal” of things?
Do you tend to “bottle up” your emotions, keeping everything inside?
Do you have difficulty falling and staying asleep at night?
Do you feel unable to handle all of tasks that you have to accomplish on a daily basis?
Do you feel like your way is only right way to accomplish something?
Do you spend a lot of time complaining about yourself, others, or events that happened in past?
Do you set unrealistic goals for yourself and for others?
Do you frequently procrastinate big projects or decisions?
Do you eat an unhealthy diet and frequently neglect good nutrition?
Do you have difficulty making decisions?
Do you lose control of your emotions or “blow up” easily?
Do you often fail to see humor in situations that most other people find funny?
Do you frequently feel disorganized and harried?
Do you avoid making positive connections with friends, family members, and coworkers?
Do you frequently get angry when you are kept waiting?
Are you depressed or anxious?
If you answered yes to one or more of above questions, you may be having trouble handling amount of stress that occurs in your life. Stress is an inevitable and normal part of life. You can't prevent it completely, but you can learn ways to manage and alleviate stress so that it does not take over your life. Here are a few techniques that you can use to relieve stress.
Stress Management Techniques
Physical Exercises: Yoga, relaxation techniques, pilates, dance therapy, and general exercise help to relive buildup of stress hormones in body and help to promote a general relaxation of nervous system. Physical exercises also help to integrate mind and body, relieve muscle tension, and improve physical function.
Mental Exercises: Meditation, guided imagery, art, music, and other mental exercises are a useful way to reduce stress and promote relaxation in your life.
