We all experience stress in various ways. We get anxious, our mind starts to race, we may get chest palpitations. Sometimes stress manifests itself as anger issues, headaches, digestive problems, skin breakouts or rashes, and muscle tension and pain. Most of us have caught ourselves biting our nails, pacing, or grinding our teeth. You probably already know your own unique symptoms of stress, as well as your own personal reactions to a stressful situation.
One of the first things that happens when our bodies undergo stress is that our blood is diverted away from our digestive tract to our large muscles. This causes our stomach and intestines to empty their contents, preparing our bodies for quick action. That’s why most people experience stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea during a stressful situation.
Stress can be triggered by a wide range of things, from financial difficulties to health issues, marital discord to career pressures.
Here are a few self-help ways to relieve stress:
• Eat right and exercise
• Get plenty of rest
• Give yourself some “me” time
• Utilize relaxation techniques such a yoga, meditation, breathing, and prayer
• Handle important tasks first and work your way down your list
• Remember, you don’t have to be perfect!
• Reduce criticism of yourself and others
• Turn off all the noise in your life for one hour each day: TV, computer, cell phone, home phone
• Turn down the lights in your home and light a few candles.
• Dab essential oils on your wrist for a soothing aromatherapy
• Take a walk outdoors
Don’t let your stress build. Stop stress the moment you notice your signs of stress rising. Put a smile on your face and be cheerful towards others. And remember to laugh and smile more often. You’ll find that your enthusiasm and joy will be attractive to your friends, your family members, your coworkers, and even your boss.
