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What
is stress?
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Stress is an inescapable part of life. To deal
with it, you first have to understand it.
What is stress? Stress is the body and mind
reaction to normal and abnormal pressures of
everyday living. Everyone responses to stress
differently.
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Types
of Stress
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Is stress necessary for life? Believe it or not, but
some stress is good for you.
It is called eustress and occurs when you use stress your
advantage to motivate or propel yourself forward.On the
other hand, when you have stuck and cannot deal with the
stress,you encounter negative stress called distress.
Distress can occur quickly and pass-away (acute distress) or
it can plague you over thelong term (chronic distress).
Chronic distress is particularly dangerousas it wears out
the body. Under such stress your production of naturalkiller
cells called T-Lymphocytes and macrophages seems to be
inhibited.
Because these killer cells are responsible for guarding
your bodyagainst infections and diseases, stress is related
to over 80% of allthe major illnesses, including
cardiovascular disease, cancer and others.Both physical and
psychological things can cause stress.
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Causes of Stress
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Some causes of stress, or stressors, are:
- Death of a family member
- Parental Divorce or Separation or Remarriage
- Getting drunk with alcohol
- Smoking tobacco
- Change in peer status
- Failing an entire year of school
- Failing a class
- Getting a job
- Getting injured in a sport
- Moving to a new city
- Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend
- Beginning to date
- Beginning high school
- Death of a pet
- Taking finals
- Winning a competition or game
- Television Appearance
- Birth of a sibling
- Large crowds
- Traffic
- Temperature extremes
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Managing Stress
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Stress management is not getting all the stress
out of your life (which is impossible) but rather,
letting you deal with the stress in a way where you
find yourself relaxing andyour tension dissipating.
When you relax, your heart rate goes down, andthe
heart works more efficiently and all of your
processes arenormalized and your muscles relax.
How can you relax? There are many methods for
relaxing and reducing tension and stress.The ones
presented here are just the beginning:
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Friends
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Your friends can help reduce tension by taking your
mind off of your stress. Your friends or support group can
hold you up when you feel everything is falling down and
help you through tough times when everything is crashing
together.
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Music
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Some of the calmer songs off of your favorite CDs
will soo the you. And, hey, even some of the not-so-calm
songs which make you get up and dance will knock that stress
out of you. Dancing also will help release stress, just move
in tune to the music, pulsing with its beat until all the
stress washes it self away. Music can heal.
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Laughter
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Laughter is the best medicine. It is very difficult
indeed to remain stressed, tense and uptight when your sides
are ripping apart in humor. From the medical standpoint,
laughter is very beneficial as it increases oxygen supply
and relaxes muscles in the diaphragm and chest.
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Sleep
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The less sleep you have, the more stress will
conquer you. Sleep is valuable escape, where every part of
your body is at rest.
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Sports & Exercise
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Sports and exercise, especially if done on a regular
basis, reduces stress.
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Meditation
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Meditation does not necessarily have to have
religious or spiritual connotations. Benefits of meditation
are similar to those of relaxation and include a decreased
heart rate and a more peaceful feeling. Meditation is best
used on a consistent basis.
If you only do it once a month it may bring some benefit,
but it is best to set aside some time everyday or at least a
couple times a week for maximum effectiveness. People who
meditate say they feel more in control and are better able
to handle their stress.
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Hobbies
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Whether it is reading or jogging, cooking or
painting, hobbies have great stress-relieving potential.
Make sure you take the time for them. These activities clear
your mind and bring you joy because you are doing the things
you love.
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Aromatherapy
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Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from
herbs and plants to invigorate and stimulate the body. The
oils themselves sometimes are useful in combating diseases.
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Count
Your Blessings
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This method is incredibly simple and yet can be very
powerful.
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