Stress – The New Killer
It is often difficult to take an objective view of yourself to see how stressed you really are. However, some common signs of stress are easy to spot. Here’s a small stress test,
Do you:
- Often feel close to tears?
- Easily snap and shout at those around you at home and work?
- Have a reduced sex drive?
- Sleep badly?
- Fidget, bite your nails or fiddle with your hair?
- Find it hard to concentrate, and impossible to make decisions?
- Find it increasingly hard lust to talk to people?
- Eat when you are not hungry or skip meals altogether?
- Feel tired most of the time?
- Think that your sense of humor has gone for good?
- Feel suspicious of others?
- Drink or smoke more to help you through the most difficult days?
• Feel that you just cannot cope? If you answer yes to more than four of these questions, then you are stressed anti need to incorporate some ‘stress relievers’ (see page 335) into your routine.
TIME TO RELAX
It is important to balance times of stress with periods of relaxation. Do something that takes your mind off your problems, such as gardening, walking, playing a sport, meditating or listening to soothing music. By learning to face each new challenge as it arises, and by knowing how to switch off before fatigue and frustration set in, you can use your stress to motivate you and make life more interesting and fulfilling.
ANTI-STRESS LARDER
Take care to include some of the following foods in your diet when you are under stress, because vital nutrients are being used up more quickly. I present you some of the natural stress larder.
B vitamins, to release energy and to maintain a healthy nervous system. Found in green vegetables, potatoes, fresh fruit, wheat germ, wholegrain cereals (such as brown rice), eggs, dairy products, yeast extract, seafood, lean meat, liver, kidney, poultry, pulses (peas, beans and lentils), nuts, seeds and dried fruit.
Vitamin C, to help the body to resist infection and for wound healing. Found in fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits and blackcurrants, fruit juices and fresh vegetables.
Zinc, for resistance to infection and for wound healing. Found in liver and red meat, egg yolks, dairy produce, whole- grain cereals and seafood -particularly oysters and other shellfish.
Complex carbohydrates, to boost energy and calm the mind. Found in bread, rice, pulses, oats, pasta and
potatoes. These foods supply a steady stream of energy to the body, and also have a calming effect on the brain.
THE STRESS HIT LIST
Stress can be set off by important changes in life-even pleasant ones. Individual responses vary, but some events and changes are much more likely to cause stress than others. They are rated here according to the amount of stress they are likely to cause.
Highest stress rating
Death of partner
Divorce or separation
Prison sentence
Death of a close relative
Personal injury or illness
Marriage
Loss of job
Moving house
High stress rating
Reconciliation with partner
Retirement
Serious ill health in the family
Pregnancy
Sexual problems
New baby/family member
Change of job
Money problems
Death of a close friend
Moderate stress rating
Family arguments
Taking on a large mortgage
Legal action over a debt
New responsibilities at work
Child starting/finishing school
Son/daughter leaving home
Difficulties with in-laws
Change in living conditions
Problems with boss
Lower stress rating
Change in working conditions
Change of schools
Holidays
Change in contact with relatives
Minor violations of the law
Joining/leaving a social group
Christmas
Small mortgage or loan
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