What is stress?

 

The term "stress" is often used when everything seems to have become too much, we overloaded ourselves with responsibilities or obligations and wonder whether we really can cope with the pressures of life.

It is human nature to have what is commonly known as a fight-or-flight response to anything that poses a challenge or a threat and it is our body's sympathetic nervous system reacting to a stressful situation.

During stress related situations chemicals such as cortisol, adrenaline and neuropeptides are released into our system, which trigger alertness, a higher heart rate, heightened muscle reflexes and sweating – all these factors help us protect ourselves in a dangerous or challenging situation.

Some common causes of stress are family problems, relationships difficulties, financial struggles, illness, job issues, lack of time and moving home.  If stress is left untreated over a period of time it can have an affect on our relationships, work life, physical and/or mental health not to mention our overall emotional state.

 

Take The Stress Self-Assessment

 

Take a look below at the various lists of stresses and symptoms and then compare those with how you are feeling at this moment. Next, look for your score at the end of this self-test and you will discover your personal stress rating.

Physical symptoms tightness in chest chest pain and/or palpitations indigestion breathlessness nausea muscle twitches aches and pains headaches skin conditions recurrence of previous illnesses/allergies constipation/diarrhea weight loss or weight gain change in menstrual cycle for women sleep problems/tiredness	Emotional symptoms mood swings feeling anxious feeling tense feelings of anger feeling guilty feelings of shame having no enthusiasm becoming more cynical feeling out of control feeling helpless decrease in confidence/self-esteem poor concentration
Behavioral symptoms drop in work performance more inclined to become accident-prone drinking and smoking more overeating/loss of appetite change in sleeping patterns poor time management too busy to relax withdrawing from family and friends loss of interest in sex poor judgment inability to express feelings over-reacting	Psychological symptoms and negative thoughts 'I am a failure' 'I should be able to cope' why is everyone getting at me?' 'no one understands' 'I don't know what to do' 'I can't cope' 'what's the point?' 'I don't seem to be able to get on top of things' 'I keep forgetting where I put things' loss of judgment

Add up your score to check how stressed you are. 0 – 4 symptoms: You are unlikely to be stressed. 5 – 8 symptoms: You are experiencing a mild form of stress and are not coping as well as you can. You need to make some changes. 9 – 12 symptoms: You are experiencing a moderate degree of stress. You need to make major changes to your life. 13 or more symptoms: You need to take urgent action to reduce your stress levels. The higher your score the more urgent is the need for action. (Source: www.solveyourproblem.com/stress-relief-guide)

 

Kinesiology can help reduce stress throughout your body and restore the body to a naturally balanced system.  

 

When you feel anxious, overwhelmed, tired and agitated it may be due to you being stressed, below I have listed some healthy tips to help deal these issues.

• Recognise what triggers increase your stress levels (environment, people, situations, etc)   
• Concentrate on positive thinking – focusing on the good not the bad
• Meditation is a great therapy to calm the mind & brings a sense of quietness to our hectic lives
• Listen to your favourite music – you’ll be surprised how therapeutic it can be
• Talk to family and friends – express your thoughts, feelings and frustrations
• Seek support from a professional such as your local GP 
• Set aside some time for fun!

 

"Grant me the courage to change the things I can change, the serenity to accept the things I can't change, and the wisdom to know the difference" Reinhold Niebuhr