Don't Stress!

We know what it is, how it feels and what brings it on, but how do we cope with stress? The body copes with stressful situations that we face by pumping adrenaline into the bloodstream - a primitive response to danger or perilous situations. However, there are very few occasions when this reaction does any good in this day and age, and instead it puts our health at risk by putting strain on the immune and digestive systems. Your pulse quickens, you take quicker, shallower breaths (depriving the body of oxygen and heightening the feelings of stress) and your muscles tighten. The body is thrown off balance to deal with the situation, which because of less physical fitness, takes longer to get back to normal. Hence, we suffer more from acute stress, with longer lasting and more harmful effects. There are many symptoms of stress, from mild headaches, sweaty palms and a dry mouth; to depression, hair loss and heart problems. In sever cases, it can even result in premature death. The most important way to deal with stress is to identify what factors cause you to become stressed. Once identified, they can be dealt with in a more relaxed way. For example, if a confrontation puts you under strain, prepare yourself with ways to deal with it should the need arise. Deep breathing techniques are especially helpful, doubtful as that may sound. The reason is that one of the effects of stress is rapid breathing, which pumps more blood into the muscles, away from vital organs (digestive system) and immune system. Deep breathing both slows your heart and pulse rate, and allows oxygen-rich blood to circulate fully around the body in stressful situations. Mental blocking is another technique you can use to counter the immediate effects of stress, as the mind can only hold one thought at a time. When you feel panicky or stressed, switch to a mental image that takes your mind off the situation at hand until you are sufficiently calm to deal with it rationally. It may be a vision of rolling green hills, the sea, or whatever you can visualise and concentrate on.