Coping with stress

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 15, 3 September 1985, Page 10

Coping with stress

Whenever you're in a situation where you have to make an effort you're under stress. It may be physical stress, as in running or lifting something heavy. It may be mental or emotional stress from excitement, boredom, frustration, or any other strong feelings. Stress happens to everyone, every day. Periods of stress, followed by periods of relaxation are part of a healthy way of life. But if stress goes on for a long time, or is very great it can become unpleasant and harmful. Such stress if often caused by bottling up worries and conflicts without any release of tension.

Excessive stress affects everyone differently. Some people become depressed and anxious. Others become excited and aggressive, or withdrawn and defensive. Physically it can lead to sleeplessness and loss of appetite, and can cause or worsen such ailments as headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure and heart disease. If such stress is allowed to continue it can lead to serious mental or physical illness. Often you can prevent stress from building up to a level where you can't cope by learning to look after your own health needs and finding better ways of handling the normal tensions of daily living. •Be realistic about how much you can cope with at any one time. •Don't bottle things up. When a problem starts to get you down, discuss it with someone whose judgement you trust. •Learn to relax. Use quick unstress remedies such as deep breathing, forehead massage, stretching exercises and making up new ways to do old things. Take

a break or change your routine. •Make time to do somethings you really enjoy doing. •Exercise regularly, get enough sleep and develop good eating habits. •Recognise and understand you own emotional responses to different situations. Learn to take responsibility for your own feelings. You may not be able to change some stressful situations, but you can decide to change how you respond to them. However if you are under severe emotional strain or feel that you cannot cope you may find it helpful to discuss your problems with someone not directly involved in the situation, such as your doctor, minister, counsellor or nurse.

Leigh

Berry

Health Nurse