What's The Problem With Stress?
We've all heard that stress is bad for your health - but why? Isn't it very likely our early ancestors faced high levels of stress as they battled wild animals, or faced attack from unfriendly rivals. The answer is yes - but these stresses were infrequent and short lived compared to those we face today.
We modern humans face a type of stress that is less acute but far more insidious than those which our bodies were designed to cope with. Humans also have the unique ability to carry stress with them - i.e. we worry, generally about things that have already happened or may happen in the future.
All this stress and worry, topped off with heavy workloads, deadlines and the like inevitably leads to a lack of sleep - which in turn increases stress, reduces productivity and compounds the problem. Many of us have become all too reliant on that morning cup of coffee to get the day underway.
Premature Aging And Other Physiological Changes
If you need a good reason to step off the stress roller-coaster maybe the threat of premature wrinkling is enough of a motivator? Having high levels of Cortisol, otherwise known as the 'stress hormone' in your blood over an extended period can result in numerous health problems.
Too much Cortisol:
- Impedes the immune system
- Increases sodium levels in the blood, which can potentially result in high blood pressure
- Weakens connective tissues in your skin and other body parts, resulting in premature wrinkling and other nasties
- Releases glucose and fatty acids from the liver and blunts insulin sensitivity. This basically means you are likely to gain weight (particularly around the mid section), and are at risk of acquiring some seriously unpleasant health problems including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
My Earth's Top Ten Tips For Beating Stress:
1. Get some sleep. This should be your number one priority for health and stress management. Make sure your bedroom is dark and free of distractions.
2. Cut back on the caffeine and other stimulants. Also cut back on alcohol before bed if you are inclined to drink as a method of relaxation - this can be counterproductive. Try a relaxing herbal tea instead.
3. Exercise regularly, but don't overdo it. Attempting suicide by exercise will not help your stress levels, and can in fact have the opposite effect.
4. Watch your diet, and try to cut back on sugar and refined carbohydrates. Top up with plenty of healthy vegetables and salads.
5. Make some time each day to meditate, practice yoga, read a good book or anything else that helps to quiet your mind at the end of the day.
6. Get some social interaction outside of your working environment. A laugh with friends goes a long way towards relieving stress.
7. Take time out. Make a date with yourself to go for a walk on the beach or get a massage. Don't feel guilty - you need this time so you can be more productive later.
8. Don't be an overachiever at work. Pulling your weight is one thing, trying in vain to do the work of three people to impress your boss is something else entirely. Do you really want to put your health on the line for that extra overtime?
9. Take a positive approach to resolving problems that may be causing you stress at work or at home. Constructive solutions are the way to go to ensure the outcome is fair to all parties.
10. Re-evaluate your life's priorities, and concentrate on the things most important to you. When things don't go your way try to keep them in perspective, and don't sweat the small stuff!
