Stress and Stress Management

Stress is a major detriment to your health. Stress triggers our flight or fight response in the body, this releases certain hormones are released to help give the body a burst of energy to deal with the stressor. This response is not meant to go on in a long term way, it is a short term aid our bodies give us to deal with danger. In the long term keeping our bodies in this flight or fight state can cause many complications and trigger latent diseases. 
Some stress induced conditions can include: 
• depression 
• diabetes 
• hair loss 
• heart disease 
• hyperthyroidism 
• obesity 
• obsessive-compulsive or anxiety disorder 
• sexual dysfunction 
• tooth and gum disease 
• ulcers 

One way to manage and reduce stress: 
Identify the source of stressors in your life, it is always good to be aware of where the stress is coming from. 
Look at how you deal with stress and identify any unhealthy behaviours. Awareness is often the first step to being able to create change!  Some coping strategies commonly include: 
• Smoking 
• Drinking too much 
• Overeating or undereating 
• Zoning out for hours in front of the TV or computer 
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities • Using pills or drugs to relax 
• Sleeping too much 
• Procrastinating 
• Filling up every minute of the day to avoid facing problems 
• Taking out your stress on others (lashing out, angry outbursts, physical violence) 

It is important to learn healthier ways to manage stress such as the four A system 
Dealing with Stressful Situations: The Four A’s 
Change the situation: 
• Avoid the stressor. 
• Alter the stressor. Change your reaction: 
• Adapt to the stressor. 
• Accept the stressor. 

Other healthy ways to deal with stress: 
• Go for a walk. 
• Spend time in nature. 
• Call a good friend. 
• Sweat out tension with a good workout. 
• Write in your journal. 
• Take a long bath. 
• Light scented candles 
• Savor a warm cup of coffee or tea. 
• Play with a pet. 
• Work in your garden. 
• Get a massage. 
• Curl up with a good book. 
• Listen to music. 
• Watch a comedy 
Remember to set aside a little time for yourself each day to relax and let go of the things that can cause unhealthy behaviours. 
Health and stress management go hand in hand, take care of yourself and your health will thank you!