It has to be pointed out that stress is not an illness in itself, it is a result of not listening to our body, our mind, our inner spirit.
Stress can be caused by many factors - a divorce, death of a family member, relative or friend, a wedding, moving house, unemployment, employment, ongoing ill health, family arguments, having a baby, unsolved debt worries, change of schools, Christmas, retirement, children leaving home, difficulties with in-laws. These are just examples, the list is endless. It can also be dealt with differently - i.e. a situation found stressful by one person may not be by another. The difference being their ability to manage stress.
The problems leading up to our stress symptoms are as diverse as the symptoms of stress themselves. From headaches to full blown migraines, stomach pains to loss of appetite or even an increase in appetite, from being mildly down in the dumps to depression, lower back pain, teeth grinding, high pitched nervous laugh, digestive problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, sweating, hyperventilation.
Stress, however, does not just cause physical problems it can also lead to poor concentration, fear for no apparent reason, followed by depression and lethargy.
Stress has been called a modern day epidemic, a disease of modern living, but it is an epidemic that can be eased if people have the right tools for the job. We have to realise that without stress life would be a bit ‘boring’. We would not be able to rise to challenges such as a promotion, we would not push ourselves. Life would pass us by and at the end we would be asking ourselves ‘what did we do?!!!’
It has readily been shown that good nutrition is a powerful ally when dealing with stress. Research shows that the long periods of pressure on a day to day basis can have a debilitating effect on our immune system which then causes a high incidence of minor illnesses ie colds, coughs, and flu.
When under stress the body uses up certain nutrients faster than at any other time therefore the body and brain are not getting what they need. Extra B vitamins (found in green vegetables, fresh fruit, wheat germ, eggs, dairy products, lean meat, nuts, seeds, seafood, liver, kidney) are vital at this time as they are needed for a healthy central nervous system, releases energy. Vitamin C ( found in citrus fruits and blackcurrants, fruit juices and fresh vegetables) and zinc (found in liver, red meat, egg yolks, dairy produce, whole grain cereals, and seafood especially oysters and other shellfish) are needed in the fight to resist infections. It is also better to eat frequent small meals, at least every three hours, as it helps the body to have a constant supply of energy and to therefore reduces tiredness. These meals should be not quick snacks however, they should include foods such as muesli, rye bread, pasta, sweet potatoes as these are slow releasing carbohydrates. The meals should be eaten in a peaceful environment so that you can enjoy your food, eat slowly and relax. It must also be noted that too much tea and coffee are more likely to activate feelings of anxiety, instead of calming them so drinks such as herb teas, water, sugar free squash drinks should be taken.
This is not having a go at smokers or drinkers but a valuable point to know is that these two actions actually deplete the body of valuable nutrients, even though drinking is a short term feel good ‘event’, long term drinking can lead to depression. |
FIGHT OR FLIGHT ??
There are said to be two responses to stress - Fight or flight - these are actually more appropriate to times gone by when our primitive ancestors had to have a quick response for survival. In todays society it does not really ring true as you are living by the codes of acceptable social behaviour and this makes flight or fight a bit hard to manage. You tend to have to grin and bear a situation, you can let off a bit of steam immediately if you can, take a brisk walk, talk to friends.
However, during this ‘fight or flight’ response adrenaline (a stress hormone) causes your blood pressure to rise, which gives you that heart-pounding sensation. As this is going on your blood flow to the digestive system is reduced so that a greater supply can be directed towards the muscles, which then produces the feeling of butterflies in your stomach. Adrenaline also aids the release of glucose and fatty acids into the bloodstream - this then is ready to fuel the muscles.
Prolonged periods of stress can make a person more at risk from heart attacks, strokes - this is because the fat and cholesterol levels which are going round are increased and blood platelets take more of a part in the clotting formation.
As mentioned earlier a positive view to stress must also be taken. You cannot avoid stress and it would be unhealthy to avoid it. It is a normal and even natural element in our lives and should be treated as so. Many people (those who have achieved either in their business, personal, health lives) are those that have found stress enjoyable as they have used it to overcome physical, intellectual and social challenges. Extending yourself in this way helps you to keep active, healthy and young - as long as you know how to relax as well.
Each of us needs time to relax, it is important to balance our stressed times with our relaxation times. To take your mind of your problems do things like gardening, playing a sport, gym workouts, walking, meditating, listening to soothing music. Exercise is a great way to relax your body and mind, your body feel energised and then relaxed after cool down, your mind is clearer but at ease and it doesn’t matter what form of exercise it is as long as it is not competitive.
We all have to learn how to face our new challenges as they arise, then by knowing how to switch off before tiredness and frustration sets in, we can then use our stress to motivate us and make life more interesting and fulfilling. |
