The Top Stress Busters

There are several different types of stress, and learning how to control them can make all the difference. You have physical stress (lack of exercise, illness, sleep habits, etc.), mental stress (how you deal emotionally with life) and chemical stress (nutritional and environmental). Here are a few straightforward ways to help you reduce all three stress factors.

Before starting this article I would like to add a favorite quote of mine that always gets me thinking.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”  --Nelson Mandela

STRESS--- ITS KILLING US FROM THE INSIDE

Sometimes, a little life-pressure and stress can help you to stay focused and improve your performance. However, too much of anything will do you harm in the long run. Stress is not an illness – it’s a state which when prolonged can give rise to mental and physical malady. All of us, at one time or other, encounter high pressure situations in our professional and personal life. Few examples of stressful situations at workplace can be:

Situation 1 – Meeting Deadlines

Clock is ticking, clients are waiting but you are still not ready with your deliverable. Don’t succumb to stress and black out. Instead, sit tight and concentrate on the quality of the output rather than the deadline. Remember, throwing in hands in hopelessness and waiting for a miracle to happen will hot work. Stay calm, take a deep breath and look for ways to prioritize your work and if possible delegate your work.

Situation 2 – Handling Arguments

You get into heavy argument or disagreement with your co-worker and he blames you for everything that went wrong or if one of your colleagues is trying to bully you and take all the credit for your hard work, don’t loose your temper. Situation will exacerbate if you lose your cool and start firing back. Rather, stay rational and apologies for actions. If it wasn’t your fault totally then politely remind them of their faults that lead into the situation. Sometimes it’s better to be smart than right. By responding politely to hostility will make others realize their fault and thus relive the stress.

Situation 3 – Not Knowing Answer

Many a times, we find ourselves in a situation where we are asked questions for which we don’t know the answer. If faced with such a situation you can either panic or you can redirect the focus back to the subject matter. You can tell that people can talk to you personally if they have more questions and due to time constraint it is better to focus on the subject for the time being. If however, it is a relevant question and you still don’t know the answer then be humble and admit it. After all you are a human too and nobody expects you to know-it-all. So be confidant and willing to know the answer then tell them rather than blinking in front of the crowd.

From the above situations you can very well make out that there are two ways to handle every situation – either panic and lose control or stay calm and manage stress. Of course, the choice is yours!

Let us first understand the mechanism of stress and why we freak out when pressurized. When in stress, our brains switch to a primitive defense system and our body produces the stress hormone adrenaline, which triggers a ‘fight-or-flight’ response that nullifies our logical thinking. As a result of which we defend ourselves by bursting in rage and speaking harsh words. After the level of adrenaline sinks down our brain reverts to normal protocol and we realize our mistakes. But, by then the harm is already done!

Stress, if not attended to, can wreak havoc your mental as well as physical health. You may suffer from insomnia, change your eating habits, isolate yourself from friends and family, become excessively indecisive and suffer memory loss and low esteem. Often mood swings are associated with stress.

Some of the physical symptoms of stress are tiredness, indigestion and nausea, headaches, fatigue and palpitations. Chronic stress leads to elevated levels of Cortisol which causes you to pack on the pounds and lowers your immune function causing dis-ease and illness.  If you have these symptoms then most probably you’ve got stress. In most cases, stress gives rise to hypertension and depression. So act quickly, take control of your life and bust your stress.

There are various ways to deal with stress and those who can manage stress overcome obstacles in their way and achieve worthwhile success. Here few tips for stress management:

Before reacting to any situation, take your time to judge it. Never respond in haste. Take a deep breadth and think before you speak. No matter what be reasonable and don’t give into anger.

Organize your work and learn to say no if you can’t do it. It is better to focus on something which you can do rather than worrying about things beyond your control.

Stop looking at the work when the deadline is approaching; instead focus on the task at hand. Break down your tasks into smaller tasks and prioritize them and complete the high priority ones first, if required take help from others. Looking at the clock and worrying will only cause delay.

Enjoy what you are doing. Try to take up a career which you like and you will always stay enthusiastic thus keeping stress miles away from you.

Take care of your health. Drink lots of water to keep your body from dehydration. Drink black or green tea. It is a natural antioxidant which stimulates your thinking and energizes you body and mind.

Lead a healthy life. Eat healthy snacks and go for some moderate exercises, e.g. quiet and leisurely walk can be a good stress buster. Sleep regularly and limit your alcohol intake and smoking.

Always think positive and be optimistic. Hope for the best. Remember, despair eats away hope and increases tension. Stop complaining and think of ways to solve a problem.

Get under regular Chiropractic care.  Research shows that those under regular Chiropractic care are less stressed and do not have the pain and other physical symptoms associated with chronic stress.  Studies also show that people under regular Chiropractic care have 200% higher immune function than those not under regular care.

In day-to-day life, we meet different kinds of people – complainers, aggressive people, timid people, bully etc. Learn to deal with them. Develop active listening skills to listen to them so that you can communicate with them better. Some people talk to god to release stress, if you are not that religious, talk to your friends and family or someone you are comfortable with.

Stress is harmful for both your body and your relationships. When hit in the red zones we tend to become impulsive and do something for which we may regret for the rest of our lives. Nowadays, stress is inseparable from work. If you are successful in managing stress you will emerge out as a leader. The solution lies in staying calm and composed when your instinct impels you to explode. Possess your wits and control the adrenaline flow, even in worst times.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Facts About Stress:

· Stress-related disorders are fast becoming the most prevalent reason for worker disability according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

· Job stress and related problems cost American companies an estimated $200 billion or more annually through absenteeism, turnover, accidents, etc.

· The World Health Organization calls job stress a "worldwide epidemic."

· 40 million Americans take antidepressant drugs daily!!!

· After the death of a spouse, the average life span of the surviving spouse is one year.

· Stress destroys the immune system, and ruins health to destroy lives.

Stress Management Techniques

1. In with the Good Air, Out with the Bad

Take a breathing break. Frequent short breaks during the day allow you to breathe deeply and relax your mind, preventing stress build-up.

2. Know the Enemy

What, exactly, is stressing you out? Is it your job? Your home life? Your relationships? Without knowing the root of the problem, you are unlikely to resolve it

3. Move It or Lose It

Begin an exercise program. Exercise helps release endorphins, which relieves stress.

4. Let Go

Recognize the difference between the things you can control and the things you cannot. Make a list of these two categories. Starting today, make a pact with yourself to stop stressing about the things in your job you have no control over.

5. Beware of the To Do List

Take note of all the good work you do and give yourself credit for it. Set short-term goals and allow yourself to take satisfaction in achieving them.  Most people have too many long term goals, and have too many things on their minds at the same time.

6. Develop a Tough Skin

Try not to personalize any criticism you receive. Look at negative comments as constructive criticism that allows you to improve your work.  “Who cares what other people think?”

7. Share the Load

Delegate or share work whenever possible. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you are the only person who can do the job right. Your coworkers and boss might start to buy into that concept as well.

8. Don’t Make Work a Four Letter Word.

Job stress builds when our minds are constantly focused on work. Strive for balance in your life. Make time for family, friends, hobbies and, most importantly, fun.

9. Get Adjusted.

Your nervous system is how your body deals with stress!  The easier it is for your body to deal with stress, the less of a deal it will seem to be!

At THE JOINT...a chiropractic place in Mount Pleasant our goal is to provide Chiropractic care to you and your family in a stress free, no hassle, affordable manner.  Call Dr. Heath at 843.654.4540 or visit www.thejoint.com to find out more.