How do you respond to too much stress? Do you become aggressive and yell at friends and co-workers, or do you get depressed and hit the booze or chocolate? Whatever your reaction, it’s possible to reverse negative patterns and manage stress without necessarily changing what’s stressing you by following a few simple measures.
TEST YOUR STRESS
Here are some of the classic signs of stress. The more you tick, the more stressed you are and the more you could benefit from a combination of the right foods, the right breathing and positive thoughts.
• Do you have difficulty relaxing?
• Do you find yourself feeling irritable?
• Do you worry about little events of the day and are unable to shut your mind off?
• Do you smoke or drink excessively (especially by others’ standards)?
• Are you competitive and aggressive in the things you do?
• Do you find it hard to relate to people?
• Do you find you are impatient with others?
• Do you eat quickly?
• Do you take on too much?
• Do you have difficulty delegating?
• Do you have aching limbs or recurrent headaches?
• Do you have digestive problems?
• Do you have allergies and sinus problems?
• Do you have a dry mouth and sweaty palms?
• Do you feel a lack of interest in sex?
• Are your muscles tense?
• Do you have problems sleeping?
If your score is:
Below 5: You’re in fine shape, able to take life in your stride.
5 to 10: You are quite stressed; pay attention to these warning signs. This is the only body you have: treat it well.
More than 10: You are very stressed: it’s time to make some positive changes before your stress has serious consequences.
The symptoms of stress come in many forms. So do the conditions that cause it. Someone whose business has just gone bankrupt would definitely be stressed – but a keen shopper might also declare themself ‘stressed out’ after a hard morning bargain hunting in the sales.
So what really happens in our minds and bodies when we are stressed? Are the same things going on inside the bankrupt and the shopper? And what can we do about it? Is it the situation that is stressful or the way we handle it?
Access the full article
If you sign up to become a member of the 100% Health Club you’ll be able to access the whole of this article which will explain how what you eat can really help you cope with stress and some simple breathing techniques and exercises that can reduce the impact of stress on your body.
Answers to these questions & more are available to 100% Health Club Members
The effects of stress
What’s going on when I’m feeling stressed?
How it impacts overall health
Eat yourself calm
Get your CO2 right and learn to breathe
Exercises that help
The right mental approach
