What is Stress? Why do I feel this way?

​Stress is a natural reaction of the body to any demand (pleasant or unpleasant) placed upon it. Most of us feel that stress is being under pressure; however, it is really about the conflict between what you perceive and how you react.
In some instances, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or to meet a deadline. When stress lasts for a long time, it may harm your health.
When presented with danger, our ancestors, the cavemen, had two options: They could fight off an attack or they could run like crazy. 

In today’s world, most of the “triggers” are rarely direct threats to life. Yet our bodies tend to respond to all threats in a physical or emotional way. We allow ourselves to become frightened, frustrated, angry. This is when physical and mental health problems can result.

Some of the physical signs that may indicate that the fight-or-flight response has kicked in include:

• Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing: The body increases heartbeat and respiration rate in order to provide the energy and oxygen to the body that will be needed to fuel a rapid response to the danger.
• Pale or Flushed Skin: As the stress response starts to take hold, blood flow to the surface areas of the body is reduced and flow to the muscles, brain, legs, and arms are increased. You might become pale as a result, or your face may alternate between pale and flushed as blood rushes to your head and brain. The body's blood clotting ability also increases in order to prevent excess blood loss in the event of injury.
• Dilated Pupils: The body also prepares itself to be more aware and observant of the surroundings during times of danger. Another common symptom of the fight-or-flight response is the dilation of the pupils, which allows more light into the eyes and results in a better vision of the surroundings.
• Trembling: In the face of stress or danger, your muscles become tense and primed for action. This tension can result in trembling or shaking. 

So, what can I do?

Here are three keys to Managing Stress and Gaining Control.
​

1. Recognize Your Reaction
   Everyone’s reaction to stress is different. So the important thing here is to learn how stress affects you. Here are some signs:
   
   Physical: sweating, stomach in knots, headaches, or rapid heartbeat.
   
   Mental: worrying, difficulties in focusing or concentrating, or ruminating.
   
   Behavioral: yelling, crying, eating too much or too little, drinking too much, irritability, or nightmares.
   
   
2. Identify Your Source of Stress
   This is what we call stressors, which are particular to each person. Stressors could be a deadline, a difficult boss or teacher, or changes in life, health, family, or finances. Sometimes it is difficult to realize what is causing stress. 
   
   
3. Change Your Response
   Once you identify the sources, or recognize your reaction, you can change your response. This is the most powerful tool for dealing with stress.
   
   How do I change the response?
   
   You are the only person responsible for your thoughts and actions. 
   
   So... 
   
   Have Realistic Expectations:
   Put the stressor in perspective
   Be flexible and look for different answers
   Listen to your internal voice and challenge it
   Practice positive self-talk
   Breathe!!
   
   Learn to Breathe:
   Deep breathing is a simple method for relieving stress and tension.
   When you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax... Breathing exercises are easy to learn.
   
   Practice this Exercise:
   Inhale. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. Take in as much air as possible. Hold for 3 seconds, then...
   Exhale. Breath out slowly through your mouth. Try pursing your lips as if your were going to whistle. This helps control how fast you exhale.

Stay tuned for more tips on managing Stress.
​See you next week!!!