 Stress Information- Basic Introduction
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Before choosing methods to combat stress, ask yourself where the stress comes from. If outside factors such as important events or relationship difficulties are causing stress, then a positive thinking or imagery-based technique may be effective. Where stress and fatigue are long term, then lifestyle and organizational changes may be appropriate. If the feeling of stress comes from adrenaline in your body, then it may be effective to relax the body and slow the flow of adrenaline. Adrenaline is released to help you survive in a "fight-or-flight" ( physical threat) situation.
Stress can be overwhelming. Check in with your doctor. Stress can take its toll on your body, increasing your susceptibility to infections and worsening the symptoms of practically any chronic condition. Stress alone can also be a cause of numerous physical symptoms. Your physician will be able to assess the effects that stress may be having on our physical functioning and can recommend ways to combat these negative influences. Remember to be honest about the extent of stress you are experiencing. In severe cases of short-term life stress, your doctor can talk with you about the possibility of medications to lessen the short-term symptoms. Your doctor is also an excellent referral source should you decide to seek a counselor or therapist. Lots of relaxation programs, meditation techniques, and methods for emotional and physical relaxation are actually learned processes that can be acquired most quickly through a class or course with a competent instructor.
If you do incorporate any relaxation technique into your life, you may notice at least the following four benefits. You will gain increased awareness of whether you are tense or relaxed. You will be more "in touch with your body". You will be better able to relax when you become stressed out. You may even reduce the nesting level of your autonomic nervous system- walking around more relaxed all the time. Your concentration may improve. By repeatedly bringing yourself back to meditation, you are strengthening the part of your mind that decides what to think about. |
