stress
Everyone experiences stress at some time in their lives.
A moderate level of stress is very useful because it helps a person to do the things they want to do, to achieve their goals and to be actively involved.
Too much stress can cause serious physical and mental health problems.
Stress can be associated with both happy and sad times.
CAUSES
STRESS is often triggered by life events or associated with circumstances such as:
losing a job or getting a promotion
welcoming a new family member
exams
divorce, marriage or remarriage
break up of a relationship
retrenchment or unemployment
retirement
puberty and body changes such as acne
family difficulties
trying to make deadlines in work, school and
socially
rejection and trying too hard to 'fit in' with
everyone else
peer group pressures
bullying at school or work
SYMPTOMS
High levels of stress can result in various changes to your thoughts, feelings, body and behaviour.
Thoughts
problems concentrating
poor memory
concern
racing thoughts
Feelings
tired
anxious
mood swings
stressed
despair
Body
headaches
difficulty sleeping
chest tightness
tiredness
Behaviour
increased coffee consumption
increased alcohol intake
change in appetite
over-reacting to things
problems relating to family and friends
decreased work performance
It is useful to learn to recognise the signs of high levels of stress so one can begin to deal with it.
RELAXATION
CHILL OUT!! SOME TIPS FOR DEALING WITH STRESS!!
take time to relax and enjoy life : balance work with play
set realistic priorities and goals
talk to others about things that are worrying
do something that's relaxing eg. yoga, walking,
listening to music, meditating, finding a leisure interest.
step back from your problems and look at them realistically.
It is easy to just stop in a quiet place and practice relaxing.
Close your eyes and slow your breathing down to slow deep regular breaths...in ..and...out......
Feel how your body feels.
Tighten up the muscles in your arms and shoulders, make a tight fist and hold tense for a second.
Then let it all go..... Relax. Let the tension melt away. Stay quiet and released for a while.
This is a simple way to unwind at any time.
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