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- $Unique_ID{BRK00680}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{On Successfully Dealing With Stress}
- $Subject{stress tension coping Mental Emotional Conditions condition behavior
- behaviors lifestyle lifestyles stressers stresses positive negative
- hypertension high blood pressure ulcers ulcer insomnia sexual problems}
- $Volume{E-23}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- On Successfully Dealing With Stress
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- QUESTION: Can you supply a bit more help on the matter of successfully
- dealing with stress? I can't seem to get a handle on it, and am sure a few
- suggestions from you might help.
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- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: Stress must be sweeping the nation for your letter was the fourth in
- a row to question about the same subject. Let me try to provide some
- "handles". Stress can be caused by both positive and negative things in one's
- life. A little stress is not unhealthy, but too much stress and tension can
- cause serious illnesses, headaches, hostility, or emotional disorders.
- Dealing with stress and knowing how to spot the things that cause it (they are
- called stressors) are extremely important.
- People who are stress survivors stay healthy through the worst of times.
- They consider stressful situations opportunities for growth. On the negative
- side, such situations can include the loss of a job, children who misbehave,
- money problems, not enough time with loved ones, lack of shared family
- responsibility, and dozens of other things. Positive stressors may include a
- job promotion, having a baby, getting married, etc. Our bodies deal with both
- positive and negative stressors in the same way. Research has proven that
- extreme tension without an outlet may be the cause of 50 to 80% of all
- disease, including high blood pressure, ulcers, insomnia, and sexual problems.
- In order to cope with stress, one must work to develop a positive
- attitude--an attitude that you are in control of your life and not a victim.
- To arm yourself against stress overload, develop your own relaxation
- techniques. They can be relatively simple--deep breathing, a good night's
- sleep, or lying down and visualizing a pleasant atmosphere, such as a beach or
- a forest. A jog or brisk walk with a headset playing march music can do it
- for me.
- When under stress, many people give themselves additional tension through
- negative thinking, including self-blame and feelings of inadequacy.
- Stop and think whether these thoughts are rational and stop setting up
- unrealistic expectations.
- A well-balanced diet will really help your body to cope with stress and
- can guard against illnesses that can be triggered by tension.
- Coping well under stress may mean seeking help. A doctor, minister, or
- mental health professional can help, but often, just talking to friends,
- relatives and trusted co-workers can do much to reduce stress.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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