April 16th is National Stress Awareness Day
Is work or school putting on the pressure? Are the kids on your nerves? Is there enough money to pay all of the bills? There are literally thousands of reasons for you to get stressed out. RELAX!!! Today is National Stress Awareness Day. This is your opportunity to recognize that there is plenty of stress in your life... as if you didn't already know. More importantly, today is an opportunity to learn, and to do something about the stress...... before it drives you batty or worse.
Did you know? There was method behind the madness. April 16 was designated as Stress Awareness Day because it is the day after taxes are due!
Origin of Stress Awareness Day:
Stress Awareness Day and Stress Awareness Month is sponsored by the Health Resource Network (HRN). They started this holiday in 1992 to increase public awareness of the causes and cures of stress. April is also designated as Stress Awareness Month.
Effects of Stress
Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a highly subjective phenomenon that differs for each of us. Things that are stressful for some individuals can be pleasurable for others. We also respond to stress differently. Some people blush, some eat more while others grow pale or eat less. There are numerous physical as well as emotional responses to stress. Stress is a natural part of life, and dealt with effectively, can even be beneficial. However, too much stress can be dangerous to your health, and destructive to work and relationships.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress Overload
It’s important to learn how to recognize when your stress levels are out of control. The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feels familiar – even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll.
The signs and symptoms of stress overload can be almost anything. Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently.
How do you respond to stress?
Psychologist Connie Lillas uses a driving analogy to describe the three most common ways people respond when they’re overwhelmed by stress:
Foot on the gas – An angry or agitated stress response. You’re heated, keyed up, overly emotional, and unable to sit still.
Foot on the brake – A withdrawn or depressed stress response. You shut down, space out, and show very little energy or emotion.
Foot on both – A tense and frozen stress response. You “freeze” under pressure and can’t do anything. You look paralyzed, but under the surface you’re extremely agitated.
Stress Warning Signs and Symptoms
The following table lists some of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress. The more signs and symptoms you notice in yourself, the closer you may be to stress overload.
Cognitive Symptoms:
Inability to concentrate
Poor judgment
Memory problems
Seeing only the negative
Anxious or racing thoughts
Constant worrying
Difficulty making decisions
Trouble learning new information
Disorganization
Reduced work efficiency or productivity
Emotional Symptoms:
Moodiness
Irritability or short temper
Agitation, inability to relax
Feeling overwhelmed
Sense of loneliness and isolation
Depression or general unhappiness
Crying spells or suicidal thoughts
Anxiety, worry, nervousness
Guilt
Increased frustration, hostility
Physical Symptoms:
Aches and pains
Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea, dizziness
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
Loss of sex drive
Frequent colds
Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue
Weight gain or loss
Difficulty breathing
Rashes, itching, hives
Frequent blushing, sweating
Cold or sweaty hands, feet
Gritting, grinding teeth
Tremors, muscle spasms
Dry mouth, trouble swallowing
Behavioral Symptoms:
Eating more or less
Sleeping too much or too little - nightmares
Isolating yourself from others
Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing, feet tapping, fidgeting)
Overreaction to petty annoyances
Stuttering or stammering
Problems in communication, sharing
Little interest in appearance, punctuality
Obsessive or compulsive behavior
Lies or excuses to cover up poor work
Excessive gambling or impulse buying
Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness
Do you feel you might be nearing a stress overload? Then check out part 2 of this article, How to Manage Stress.
