Symptoms of Stress

We all experience stress at some point in our life. Stress is impossible to avoid altogether. Work, relationships, financial concerns and health matters can all put us under stress. When stress is short-lived, we usually recover quickly. However, when stress is extreme our emotional and physical health begin to suffer. If not controlled, overtime stress can lead to serious medical conditions. There are 3 types of stress, emotional, physical and social. Emotional stresses can change the state of our minds. Physical stresses can change the state of our body. Social stresses can change the was we interact with other people. 

Signs of emotional stress may include:

• Detatchment
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression and sadness
• Unable to enjoy things
• Hostility
• Anxiety
• Overreacting
• Short tempered
• Moodiness
• Impatience
• Restlessness
• Feeling afraid
• Negative thinking
• Lack of concentration
• Wanting to run away from situations

Psychological techniques, problem solving skills and social support all play a crucial role in combating stress.  

Ways to Combat Stress:

• Seek support from friends and relatives. If you can talk to your family and friends about the daily stress in your life, seek help from a support group. Some people find it helpful to exchange with others who have similar difficulties.
• Don't avoid your problems. Avoiding your problems only causes more stress. Face your problems and deal with them as the occur. 
• Take time out for yourself. Do something that you love to do.
• Take opportunities to relax. Do something once a day that helps you to relax, whether its reading, writing, exercising, a warm bath or just having a warm cup of herbal tea. 
• Exercise daily, or at least a couple times a week. Exercise acts as a buffer against stress. Regular exercise has a variety of psychological benefits that can help improve your overall physical health. Make exercise a habit.
• Get enough sleep. Adults need 7-9 hours a sleep per day.
• Restrict your alcohol intake. Don't depend on alcohol in times of stress.
• Do relaxation exercises. Yoga and meditation both help to combat stress.
• Establish a routine so that you feel in control of your circumstances.
• Eat healthy.
• Don't take everything on yourself. Practice delegating and prioritizing.
• Allow yourself to accept offers of help for others.
• Write away your stress by scribbling down your concerns and how you plan to deal with them.
• Don't be too hard on yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back when you act in a positve way.

Stress Busters

Stress busters including everything from seeking help from a councelor or family doctor to using relaxation exercises and nutritional therapy. Other strategies for stress management include herbal remedies, massage, acupuncture, nutritional therapy, and aromatherapy.

Herbal Remedies:

Herbal remedies help the body to relax and cope with stress. Lemon balm, rosemary, and chamomile have all been found to help with relaxation, irritability and mood swings.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture works to alleviate stress by releasing endorphins, natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain, and helps to inprove general well-being..

Homeopathy:

There are a number of treatments available but the recommended prescription will depend on the individual's personality and circumstances.

Aromatherapy:

People have been benefiting from aromatherapy for thousands of years. Essential oils from various plants help the body and mind to relax. Camomile and Lavender are known to help relieve stress and insomnia, and to ease depression. Neroli and Sandalwood are known to help sooth tension and relieve anxiety. Essential oils can be added to baths, foot baths and face masks, used for steam inhalations or be massaged into the body. Essential oils should never be used undiluted. If you are pregnant you should consult your doctor before using essential oils.