Site icon JFW Just for women

Why Do You Get Stressed & How To Be Stress Free?

Being healthy does not only mean being physically healthy. Mental health and emotional health play a very strong role in our sense of wellbeing. Women, in the 21st century, seem to be facing more and more stress in their daily lives. Many situations give rise to anger and frustration. All these negative emotions may lead to a feeling of exhaustion, malaise and a general sense of being unwell. Learning to deal with stress is a very important life skill.

Why do we get stressed?

Stress is not always bad. When the body perceives physical danger or feels mental pressure, the body reacts by producing certain hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These result in the ‘fight or flee phenomenon’ which energizes the body to either stay and fight or flee speedily. Generally, these hormones work with us and enable us to overcome obstacles, to face our fears and to achieve our goals.

When does stress become bad?

There are trigger points for stress. When these trigger points are activated repeatedly, even without the original stimulus, we develop a classic Pavlovian reflex, where all the stress related symptoms manifest themselves predictably. Adrenaline and cortisol can cause symptoms like palpitations, stomach pain, sweating and a dry mouth. When repeatedly released into the system, these hormones can result in hypertension, ulcers, heart disease and anxiety.

 

I wake up almost every morning with a mild headache. I have not slept well in the past few days. The prospect of going to office fills me with trepidation. I have palpitations that threaten to burst my heart. I had a full check up done with my doctor and she said that my blood pressure was normal and I was otherwise healthy. What is wrong with me?

You seem to be afraid and nervous about going to work. Do you have a problem with your boss or a co-worker? You may also be feeling overwhelmed by having to manage your office work along with your duties at home. You seem to be suffering from stress. You are not alone in what you are feeling. Stress-related complaints lead to 75 percent of physician visits all over the world!

Stress may manifest in different ways in each person. You may feel nervous, agitated or anxious. You may feel overwhelmed. Stress works in insidious or overt ways. It can affect us physically, emotionally and mentally. The dangers of unmanaged stress are significant. Stress can bring on symptoms that mimic a heart attack, depression or anxiety. The palpitations that you are experiencing are a classic symptom of stress. If you don’t deal with your stress, it may lead to serious illnesses and health problems, including high blood pressure and ulcers.


Trigger points for stress
Most women share common trigger points for stress. You probably are dealing with one or more of the following stress generators:

Work:

Decrease your anxiety at work; success is a two-edged sword. To reduce success related stress, learn to be less harsh on yourself. You don’t always have to be better than the rest. Give yourself mini-breaks and try stress-relieving exercises. Think about finding a new job where the stress level is not so high. If you have a problem with the boss or a co-worker, bring it out in the open in a non-confrontational way. Maybe another close friend or co-worker can help in resolving the issue.
Children:

All parents have a certain amount of stress because of their children at one time or another. It is important to maintain a healthy relationship with your child and at the same time give her your full support. The biggest hurdle many parents face is learning to let go. Let your children know that you trust them to make the right decisions. Remember, all you can really do is point them in the right direction. Trust the abilities of your children. As kids grow, hand over some of your chores. By doing so, you will ease your load and, at the same time, teach them responsibility. Keep in mind that children learn by example. Don’t have different rules for yourself and your children. Encourage cooperation and self-reliance.
Managing the family budget:

Ask any couple what they argue about most and invariably the answer will be money! A major component of family stress is the family budget. Have an annual and monthly budget and try to stick to it. Involve your older children in economic decisions so that they realize that every whim of theirs may not be fulfilled. Work with your husband to manage the family finances. Take decisions about how to allocate the money and stick to it.

Older and infirm family members:

Do you have an older family member staying with you? Taking care of them when they become infirm or indisposed can overburden an already tight schedule. Learn to work out a plan to manage time better. Don’t hesitate to ask for help – another relative or even a neighbor may be able to spare a few hours so you get some respite.

Stress busters

First and foremost, if you want to stay healthy, you have to learn how to manage stress. The best way is to identify the trigger and analyze it. Then move forward, confront the problem and work out a solution. Take a break from the situation. And most importantly, be forgiving of yourself. Most people get stressed because they blame themselves for something that has gone wrong; the misplaced guilt then gnaws at you and this leads to even more stress. You have to break this relentless cycle.

Specific stress busters include: