Stress
- causes, symptoms & affect on your overall health
We've all heard about it and more and more people are being signed off work every day because of it.
There's no doubt that stress is a modern disease that can have serious implications for our health.
On the whole, we commonly use the word stress to describe our response when something changes for the worse, or our anxiety about what are afraid may happen. This feeling can alter the way a person thinks, feels or behaves and ultimately affect their lifestyle.
What is stress ? 
Stress is inevitable, it is our response, both physical and mental, to the demands placed on us and to change.
Whilst we often think of stress in a negative way, it has the potential to also be a positive experience, as it was designed to help us adapt to the changes in our environment. The connection of mind and body is clearly seen in the results of mental pressure and anxiety in physical symptoms.
What causes stress ?
There are many factors which can be considered stressors in our lives.
Here's just a few of the stressful life events that can affect us:-
- work
- relationships
- birth, death,
- marriage, divorce
- moving house
- illness
- caring for a sick relative
- age
- exams
- change
- financial worries
- noise
Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, it gives an idea of the the kinds of events and challenges that can create pressure in our lives and threaten our coping strategies.
The adrenal glands, which regulate the stress response, produce adrenalin and cortisol. When the adrenal glands are overworked, their performance suffers. By working with them to help them function better, we can help reduce the feelings of anxiety that stress can induce.
What are the symptoms and how might it affects health ?
Several studies have been carried out in recent years to learn more about the physical effects of stress on women and men, and to determine it's affect on your overall health
Whilst the sickness absence statistics speak for themselves, it's clear that it affect health, including physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Recent research has shown that whilst in the short-term stress can boost our immune system, in the long term it can have a suppressing effect on the immune system.
It's also thought to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, research has shown that women who experience high levels of mental stress are twice as likely to die from heart disease or a stroke than those with low levels.
Stress-related chest pains in children are really no different than them experiencing a headache.
There's no doubt about the facts - workaholism is dangerous for your health !
What is work related stress? 
Work-related stress can be caused by:-
- ambiguity - when there is uncertainty or lack of clarity about what is expected
- conflict - between people, of values or expectations
- lack of certainty - for example, job insecurity, redundancy or promotion,
- lack of appreciation or fulfilment - where an individuals talents or training are not appreciated or put to full use
- relationships - with colleagues, your boss or with those who work for you
- violence,intimidation or aggression
- workload
The workplace is only one of a number of possible aspects of life that can give rise to stress or anxiety.
Stress management and reduction
If you realise that you are beginning to experience other symptoms and realise the need to be proactive to manage your stress, you've already taken the first step to reducing those awful feelings of anxiety and tension.
Though it sound simple, the following is an effective method of helping to locate the stressors in your life.
- Take a large piece of paper.
- Write down all the things that are creating worry, anxiety or concern
- Keep going until you've written them all down !
- Get a highlighter or coloured pen
- Highlight or add colour to all those things which you're able to have any effect on
- Consider what you can do to make changes to these areas
Natural stress relief and techniques 
If you're at all concerned about your own personal health, make an appointment with your doctor or health care practitioner to discuss your concerns.
Here's a few ways to decrease stress that are recommended by the researchers:-
- Eat a low fat diet
- Limit your salt intake
- Cut out coffee and replace with herbal or green tea
- Eat more low G.I. (glycemic index) foods to keep your blood sugar level steady
- Add nutritional supplements of ginseng and ginkgo biloba
- Take more exercises
- Try alternative relaxation methods, such as the benefits of a stress ball, massage, meditation or breathing techniques
In addition, find friends and family with whom you can have fun and laughter.
It's also recommended that you eat foods high in the following nutritional supplements:-
- Fish Oil - otherwise known as Omega 3
- Magnesium - e.g. nuts, spinach, beans, peas
- Potassium - e.g. bananas,
- Vitamin B5 (or pantothenic acid) - e.g. wheatgerm, almonds, eggs, salmon
- Vitamin B6 - e.g. Brewers Yeast, wholegrains, beans
- Vitamin C - e.g. oranges, kiwi fruit, strawberries
- Zinc - Brewers Yeast, wheatgerm
If you've looked at some of the anti-stress formulas, you'll see many of the above nutrients of foodstuffs listed.
This is because they supports the adrenal gland, helping it to renew its supply of stress hormones and keeping the gland in the best of health.
Recommended resources
Conquer stress and anxiety - useful resource on natural ways to reduce anxiety in your work and home life
Florence Nightingale - diagnostic criteria for post traumatic stress disorder http://www.countryjoe.com/nightingale/ptsd.htm
Public speaking without the stress - read what Paul Daniels has to say on the subject
Eliminate stress from your life forever, a simple program for better living - by William Atkinson and Sharon Peterson. With a combination of physical, spiritual, and psychological approaches, the authors look at the root causes, such as attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. Their book offers a 100 day program for eliminating stress from your life.
Who moved my Cheese ? is a recommended read for anybody where there is a changing environment in the workplace. It's also a great read for managers who are having to manage change.
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