The Tri-Lite

Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Julie Ivers

Media Credit: Julie Ivers

You feel your chest pounding, a shortness of breath, and you're constant worrying. Your moods change - instead of feeling positive, happy, and productive, confusion, depression, and irritableness set onto your personality. Your behavior transforms before your eyes - your pants feel tighter, constant crying becomes the norm, and blaming others for your problems relieves your pain. Does this sound like you?

Yes, these are the symptoms of many problems. You may think that illness is to blame for that nagging headache, your frequent forgetfulness, and your declining productivity at school and work. But, these common symptoms could, and most likely, originate from stress. Stress can affect your body, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It might affect your health, and you have not even realized it. Two in three people suffer from stress, and one in four people have missed work due to work-related issues. So, if you do not suffer from any of the above symptoms, then you definitely have all the luck. Good for you for leading a stress-free life!!

For those of us who, unfortunately, do suffer from these symptoms, do not believe you are alone. Although stress adds flavor, challenge, and opportunity to life (imagine life without it), too much stress can seriously affect your physical and mental well-being. Stress doesn't come from just one outlet - it can come from mental, emotional, and physical activity. Even though there are common symptoms, it is unique to everyone. Too much emotional stress can cause physical illness.

National Stress Awareness Month begins April 1st and continues throughout the month. A national, cooperative effort, National Stress Awareness Month's purpose is to inform people about not only the dangers of modern stress, but for anyone suffering from stress, to manage it successfully. Chronic stress has been linked with heart attacks, stroke, depression, and chronic pain. It may also eventually lead to bad habits, such as excessive drinking, smoking, and drug abuse.

Taxes are due, the school year is winding down, and so much more occurs in our daily lives; however, take some time to use these tips below, suggested by Stresstips.com and WebMD.com:

• Try physical activity -- When you are nervous, angry, or upset, relieve the pressure through exercise or physical activity. Try running, walking, or even working in your garden. Just get outside!! Physical exercise can release the tight feelings and help you relax.

• Share your stress -- Try venting to someone about your concerns or worries. Try talking to a friend, family member, or teacher. They can help you see your problem in a different light.

• Take care of yourself -- Make sure to get enough rest and eat well. If you do not, then you will not have the ability to deal with stressful situations. Avoid sugar, caffeine, and fast food. By eating well and getting enough sleep, you'll have extra energy.

• Make time for fun -- Schedule time for both work and recreation. Play is just as important for your well-being. Take a break from the daily routine and have fun! Whether you read a book, go out with friends, or take up a new hobby, make time to enjoy it!

• Be a participant -- Make sure to get involved. Sitting alone, idling can bore you and bring about feelings of sadness and loneliness. Offer to help out at a volunteer organization. This will not only introduce you to new activities but to new friends, as well.

• Check off your tasks -- Make a list of everything you have to do, and do them, one by one. Take one at a time, and when a task is completed, check it off. You'll feel as though you have a weight lifted off your shoulders.

• It's okay to cry -- A good cry can relieve anxiety and may even prevent a headache. Take deep breaths; they also relieve tension.

• Create a quiet scene -- You cannot always go away on vacation, but you can try to paint a serene scene, read a good book, or play beautiful music to create peace and tranquility.

• Avoid self-medication -- Drugs do not remove conditions that caused the stress in the first place; they can only reduce them temporality. Drugs can be habit forming, so only take them after seeking advice from a doctor.

• Accept it -- If your problem cannot be changed at the moment and is beyond your control, don't fight it. Learn to accept it until it changes.

Community College of Philadelphia student, Eric Isakoff, mentioned that he "always vents to someone who is not involved with the problem," since he "feels much better afterwards." When asked about the tips suggested in this article, he said, "I made a list of everything I had to accomplish, and I checked them off one by one. It put everything in perspective and makes me much more organized."

It may take some time to begin using these tips. No one ever invites major stress, but unfortunately, it makes life interesting. Stress can not only cause emotional stress, but can raise your blood glucose levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure, which can lead to permanent diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. So, take these reminders and tips seriously, and the next time you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and try something to get your mind off of your troubles.

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