Stress results from emotional, physical or mental challenges that lead to feelings of loss of control. Whether acute or chronic, an over reactive stress response impacts your sense of well being, compromises your health and strains relationships. While there may not be a simple solution to eliminating stress from your life, identifying the cause of your discomfort is the first step in taking proactive measures to resolve the issue, and regain control of your life.
Job pressures
Tension between co-workers, demanding bosses and work overload are a few of the daily stressors employees contend with on a daily basis. According to a poll conducted by LifeCare, Inc., 55 percent of workers cite work related problems as a greater cause of stress than family issues. Many employers understand the relationship between employee morale and job performance, many offer on-site exercise programs and holistic health support services.
Money worries
The loss of a job, reduced retirement income, or catastrophic medical expenses are serious challenges without easy solutions. Financial concerns keep people awake at night, and affect their ability to think clearly and find workable solutions. Financial counselors can helps to assess the situation, and devise an appropriate plan to help reduce money worries and alleviate stress.
Health concerns
An unexpected health crisis, diagnosis of a terminal or chronic illness or the added responsibilities of care for a loved one are stress inducing events with long-term implications. The stress response sets off a series of chemical reactions in your brain, takes a toll on the immune system and slows the healing process, says the Franklin Institute web site.
Relationships
Divorce, death of a spouse or loved one, arguments with friends or coworkers and the feeling of loneliness that may result, prove major contributors to stress. Humans are social animals, and dependent upon a sense of community to feel safe and accepted. Sharing thoughts and emotions with a trusted, non-judgmental friend may help to bring problems into perspective.
Poor nutrition
A well-nourished body remains your first defense against stress. Inadequate nutrition, caffeine, processed foods and refined sugar make it difficult to maintain blood sugar levels, and contribute to mood swings. The National Center for Health and Wellness Social Anxiety web site, explains the importance of maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin B to prevent stress and maintain feelings of wellness.
Media overload
Television, radio, the Internet, e-mail, social networking and the multitude of media players, keep people wired on a 24-hour basis. Information overload is everywhere and almost impossible to avoid. Worse, the time consumed processing and managing information may inhibit the ability to think and feel. It can also take time away from important relationships and result in even greater stress levels.
Sleep deprivation
Just as worry and stress prevents people from getting a good night's sleep, sleep deprivation causes the body to release additional stress hormones, and makes them more vulnerable to stress related disorders. During deep sleep, the part of the brain responsible for dreaming inhibits the brain from releasing adrenaline and other stress hormones. Indeed, the best remedy for reducing stress remains a good night's sleep.
