Managing Stress During The Winter Months

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the ever-increasing demands of life. Surveys show that many of us experience difficulties with stress at some point during the year. This time of year can be particularly stressful with all it demands of us.

In looking at the causes of stress, remember that your brain comes hard-wired with an alarm system for your protection. When your brain perceives a threat, it signals your body to release a burst of hormones to fuel your capacity to respond. This has been labeled the "fight-or-flight" response. Once the threat is gone, your body is meant to return to a normal relaxed state.

Unfortunately, the nonstop stress of modern life means that your alarm system seldom shuts off.That's why stress management is so important. Stress management gives you a range of tools to help reset your alarm system.

Without stress management, all too often your body is always on high alert. Over time, high levels of stress lead to serious health problems. Don't wait until stress has a negative impact on your health, relationships or quality of life. Start practicing a range of stress management techniques today.

1. Monitor your stress level: make it an ongoing goal. Pay attention to what makes you stressed.

2. Identify stress triggers: What stressful situations do you experience the most stress from, relationship, or daily hassles for example. Include positive changes such as weddings, etc.

3. Identify solutions to your stress: Identify which stressors you have control over and those you don’t.

4. Don’t feel like you have to handle this alone: seek help from family, friends, or professional such as Empowered Living Inc., where you can receive relaxations techniques and much, much more.

Reference:

Joan Morse, MAMFT, Therapist @ Empowered Living Inc.

Mayo Clinic Staff