Stress Management

What is Stress?

Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world. Common stress reactions include tension, irritability, inability to concentrate, and a variety of physical symptoms that include headache and a fast heartbeat.

It's almost impossible to live without some stress. And most of us wouldn't want to, because it gives life some spice and excitement. But if stress gets out of control, it may harm your health, your relationships, and your enjoyment of life.

How many of us suffer from Stress?

About ½ million people in the UK experience work related stress at a level they believe is making them ill.

Up to 5 million people in the UK feel very or extremely stressed by their work.

A total of 12.8 million working days were lost to stress, depression and anxiety in 2003/4.

Down the centuries humans evolved the ability to respond to a stressful situation instantly, by preparing the body for "fight or flight." 

Under sudden stress, you will get a burst of exceptional strength and endurance, as your body pumps out stress hormones:

Sometimes we can still benefit from this "fight or flight" response - like the case of a mother whose child was pinned under a concrete slab during a tornado. Under stress, she found the strength to lift the huge slab with her bare hands, even though it later took three men to move it.  

But much of the time in modern life, the "fight or flight" response isn't required yet those stress hormones still flood your system, preparing you for physical action.  If you are under stress frequently, if these stress hormones continually flood your system unchecked it can harm your physical health.

A key to managing your stress, particularly work-related stress is to develop a way of performing to your optimum without falling foul of your own pressurised choices.

What are the signs of Stress?

Stress can cause both mental and physical symptoms. The effects of stress are different for different people.

The mental symptoms of stress include:

Tension; irritability; inability to concentrate; feeling excessively tired; trouble sleeping

The physical symptoms of stress include:

Dry mouth,  pounding heart, difficulty breathing, stomach upset, frequent urination, sweating palms, tight muscles that may cause pain and trembling

The experience of stress is different for every person. Some people are affected more than others, so what is stressful for one person may not be stressful for another. It can depend on your personality type and on how you have learned to respond to pressure.  Generally speaking if you feel most of the above mental and physical symptoms your need to be seeking some help to change the patterns in the way that you live and work that are causing you this excessive Stress.