STRESS and ANXIETY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stress is our emotional and physical response to a perceived pressure from the outside world.

We cannot avoid stress. Its always there. Stress is in the office, in the car, at home. Stress pursues us relentlessly and robs us of our energy and peace of mind.

It is almost impossible to live without some stress in our lives and many of us welcome it, as it can add spice and excitement.

However, it is when stress gets out of control, that it can affect your health, both mental and physical, your relationships and your enjoyment of life.

You become locked in a downward spiral which then becomes very difficult to get out of. Depression and serious, life changing health problems can be the result, if stress is not dealt with effectively.

 

The Stress Response

 

When you experience a stressful event, the body responds by undergoing a series of chemical changes. Adrenaline, Noradrenaline and Cortisol are released, making your heart beat faster. At the same time, you start to breathe quicker. Blood flow increases to your head and body, making you think and react quicker to the “perceived” danger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In prehistoric times, this was our body’s way of preparing us to either fight whatever predator was at large, or run away from it (flight). Our body reacting in this way , in this day and age, is actually trying to protect us from perceived harm. However, sometimes we cannot run away or fight the perceived threat or danger, for example, at work. We cant leave the job at that moment and we cant get into a fight with the boss, so we will freeze. Have you ever heard the expression “frozen to the spot?”.When we go into freeze mode, our body cannot dissipate the chemicals that are released at the time of stress. The chemicals stay in the body. If this continues to happen over a period of time, a breakdown in the immune system will occur, which in turn can cause a multitude of illnesses, from a common cold to a heart attack.

 

Symptoms of Stress

 

*Exhausted. Feeling every day is another mountain to climb

*Unable to concentrate or feeling confused over the slightest thing

*Having trouble sleeping. Unable to get to sleep or waking early

*Irritable over the smallest issue. Feeling unable to cope

*A dry mouth,

*Headaches,

*Sweating,

*Difficulty breathing at times of perceived pressure

*Pounding heart,

*Shaking/Trembling

*Nausea,

*Loss of confidence/self esteem

*Feeling that something is missing out of life

*Skin rashes can occur

*Change in appetite. Eating less or more

*You may start depending more on alcohol ,drugs or cigarettes

*Feelings of guilt

*Reluctance to participate in society. Withdrawing from friends and family. Reluctance to go to work.

 

If stress is allowed to continue, life will become a catch 22 situation. The more stressed you become, the worse life will seem, and the worse life seems, the more stressed you become.

 

Would you like to break that cycle?

Would you like to wake up feeling refreshed ready to embrace the day ahead?

Imagine how much more productive you could be if you had less stress, physically and mentally.

Imagine how much better life would become if you learned new ways of managing your stress.

What can you do about your stress?

 

Give me a call. Freedom from stress may be closer than you think