What is Stress?

Stress is a word we all hear - or maybe even use - every day. It's worth giving some thought to what it really means, so that we can actually prevent, reduce or cope with it. 

Technically, stress is a physical or emotional reaction to an event or situation that we find demanding. When something happens, we automatically evaluate it to determine how it makes us feel - annoyed, overwhelmed, upset, excited or threatened - and what we can do about it. If we decide that the demands of a situation outweigh our coping skills, we are likely to unconsciously label it 'stressful' and react with the classic stress response. 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

Stress can be a healthy way of enhancing performance or an unhealthy drain on physical and mental resources. The bottom line is that stress is normal, inevitable and - depending on your awareness of what triggers the stress response in you and how you handle it - manageable. Here are some great tips to help you understand stress and the effects it can have: 

The stress response

• Your body's first reaction to stress is often called the 'fight or flight' response. This causes a rush of adrenaline.
• During this stage, your body mobilizes its resources to respond to the stress that it perceives, readying the energy stores required for 'fight or flight'.
• If there is no relief from the stressors that caused the initial response, your body will start releasing stored sugars and fats.
• If the situation continues without resolution, your body's energy reserves can become depleted.
• Physical reactions include muscle tension, insomnia, a racing pulse and a knot in the stomach. Stress levels may also contribute to heart disease and stroke.
• Many people also have emotional and behavioural responses layered on top. These can include overeating, drinking excessively, withdrawal and depression.
• Anxiety vs stress

Different stress for different folks

• What you personally find stressful depends on who you are and what kind of coping skills you have.
• Stress-provoking situations can range from minor daily hassles to major life events - and not all of them are negative.
• Traffic jams, deadlines and disagreements may create irritating stress, but getting married or receiving a promotion are wonderful experiences that can also be stressful.
• Losing your job or dealing with the death of a loved one are among the greatest stressors that we face.
• Understanding balance

Knowing when you're under stress

• It's important to recognize the signs of unhealthy responses to stress that signal it's time to do something about it. Each of us has different warning signs and symptoms, which can include the following symptoms.
• Irritability.
• Frequent complaining, blaming or criticizing.
• Difficulty in falling and/or staying asleep.
• Headaches, back pain, upset stomach, frequent colds or flu.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Lack of motivation.

Dealing with stress

• There is no single, 'right way' of coping with stress. You need to figure out what works best for you, given your personality, temperament and your work and family situation.
• Learn to recognize your own stress symptoms.
• Look at your lifestyle and see what, if anything, can be changed.
• If change is possible, do it! Learn to accept and manage what cannot be changed.
• Reflect whether life could be simplified. Do your children really need to be at activities every night? Cut back to favourite pursuits and enjoy some 'down time' at home with your children.
• Recognize that you can't do everything. Learn to say 'No'.
• Prioritize tasks that must be done. Divide each task into manageable stages.
• Delegate or eliminate tasks that aren't essential.
• Getting back to basics
• Time-stressed - simplify your life
• Creating an action plan to achieve balance

Follow a healthy lifestyle

• Use relaxation techniques to help reduce the effects of stress. Try yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
• Exercise is one of the most effective stress remedies of all.
• Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and sleep. Make time for yourself in your schedule.
• Have fun sometimes with family and/or friends - it's a great way to regenerate the energy you need for life's challenges.
• Healthy lifestyle
• Emotional health - do I have it?

Helpful Resources

Your great balancing act - tools and advice
(http://www.chatelaine.com/article.jsp?page=health&cid=661127)

Simple things you can do today to control stress
(http://stress.about.com/library/weekly/aa112600a.htm)