Will start with STRESS first----
Stress can result in a number of physiological problems as well as psychological ones, and doctors have reported that many patients that present illnesses and problems are actually suffering from one main condition - stress. This is why it is important to find an effective cure for stress before it becomes too severe.
In more severe cases, stress can have a deep, adverse impact on your life, and you could find yourself having to take time off work, having problems maintaining relationships, and even having trouble sleeping. Many people take pills to relieve stress, but all too often this fails to get to the root of the problem.
Stress management is the need of the hour. However hard we try to go beyond a stress situation, life seems to find new ways of stressing us out and plaguing us with anxiety attacks. Moreover, be it our anxiety, mind-body exhaustion or our erring attitudes, we tend to overlook causes of stress and the conditions triggered by those. In such unsettling moments we often forget that stressors, if not escapable, are fairly manageable and treatable.
Stress, either quick or constant, can induce risky body-mind disorders. Immediate disorders such as dizzy spells, anxiety attacks, tension, sleeplessness, nervousness and muscle cramps can all result in chronic health problems. They may also affect our immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems and lead individuals to habitual addictions, which are inter-linked with stress.
Like "stress reactions", "relaxation responses" and stress management techniques are some of the body's important built-in response systems. As a relaxation response the body tries to get back balance in its homeostasis. Some hormones released during the 'fight or flight' situation prompt the body to replace the lost carbohydrates and fats, and restore the energy level. The knotted nerves, tightened muscles and an exhausted mind crave for looseners. Unfortunately, today, we don't get relaxing and soothing situations without asking. To be relaxed we have to strive to create such situations.
It is important to recognize whether you are under stress or out of it. Many times, even if we are under the influence of a stressful condition and our body reacts to it internally as well as externally, we fail to realize that we are reacting under stress. This also happens when the causes of stress are there long enough for us to get habituated to them. The body constantly tries to tell us through symptoms such as rapid palpitation, dizzy spells, tight muscles or various body aches that something is wrong. It is important to remain attentive to such symptoms and to learn to cope with the situations.
We cope better with stressful situation, when we encounter them voluntarily. In cases of a relocation, promotion or layoff, adventurous sports or having a baby, we tend to respond positively under stress.But, when we are compelled into such situations against our will or knowledge, more often than not, we wilt at the face of unknown and imagined threats. For instance, stress may mount when one is coerced into undertaking some work against one's will.
Is your life in overdrive?
- Do you often think, There just aren't enough hours in the day?
- Are there competing demands for your time and attention?
- Do you feel the effects of stress in the form of mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, digestive problems -- and feeling that you'll never catch up?
You aren't alone -- and you're smart to seek change. Studies show that prolonged or severe stress can weaken the immune system and the heart, damage memory, and even encourage the body to deposit fat at the waist -- a risk factor for heart disease, cancer, and other illness.
Finally, here is a doctor's answer to the modern problem of chronic stress. Based on Dr. Cherewatenko's work with more than 2,000 women in a special stress-reduction program, his breakthrough plan dramatically revives the body's healing chemistry and explains steps women can take to stop living in overdrive. After a detailed self-assessment, readers can follow his 7-step De-STRESS program:
DHEA -- safely replenish levels of this stress- fighting hormone
Supplemental Nutrition—replace vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes lost to stress
Taming the Tiger -- pursue meditation, yoga, and other stress-busting, mindful-living methods
Rekindling Relationships -- take a new approach to work and family relationships
Exercise -- exercise in ways to increase energy and mental focus
Sensible Eating -- keep your emotions from ruling your palate
Sound Sleep -- "quality sleep" helps keep hormones stable
More later on this to improve our lifestyle.