Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 6 views

    Stress Reduction

    Uploaded by

    carrotrabbit01
    The document discusses stress, its effects on health, and ways to manage stress. It defines stress and explains the body's natural stress response. It then discusses potential stressors and signs of stress. It also outlines various techniques for managing stress in a healthy way and determining when stress levels become too much.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Stress Reduction

    Uploaded by

    carrotrabbit01
    6 views7 pages
    The document discusses stress, its effects on health, and ways to manage stress. It defines stress and explains the body's natural stress response. It then discusses potential stressors and signs of stress. It also outlines various techniques for managing stress in a healthy way and determining when stress levels become too much.

    Original Description:

    Stress Reduction

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    The document discusses stress, its effects on health, and ways to manage stress. It defines stress and explains the body's natural stress response. It then discusses potential stressors and signs of stress. It also outlines various techniques for managing stress in a healthy way and determining when stress levels become too much.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    6 views7 pages

    Stress Reduction

    Uploaded by

    carrotrabbit01
    The document discusses stress, its effects on health, and ways to manage stress. It defines stress and explains the body's natural stress response. It then discusses potential stressors and signs of stress. It also outlines various techniques for managing stress in a healthy way and determining when stress levels become too much.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 7

    Form: D-5743

    Stress Reduction
    What is stress?
    Stress is a normal emotional and physical
    reaction to the demands of life. Stress comes
    from both the good and bad things that
    happen to you. If you did not feel any stress,
    you would not be alive!

    Stress can become a problem when you are


    not sure how to handle it. Worry sets in, and
    you feel “stressed”.

    What is the body’s natural stress response?


    When you sense danger—whether it’s real or imagined—your body’s
    defenses react in a rapid, automatic way. It’s known as “fight-or-flight”, or
    the stress response.

    The stress response is the body’s way of protecting


    you. When it is working properly, it helps you
    stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency
    situations, stress can save your life. For example,
    it can give you the strength to defend yourself,
    or make you slam on the brakes to avoid a car
    accident.

    Watch for stressors


    Situations that cause stress are called ‘stressors’.
    They can come from people and situations around
    you or how you deal with situations.

    2
    Here are examples of some stressors to watch for:

    People and situations


    • Major life changes

    • Work

    • Relationship difficulties

    • Financial problems

    • Being too busy

    • Children and family

    How you deal with situations


    • Inability to accept uncertainty

    • Pessimism

    • Negative self-talk

    • Unrealistic expectations

    • Perfectionism

    • Lack of assertiveness

    Can stress hurt my health?


    Long-term stress or ‘chronic stress’ can lead to serious health problems,
    including:

    • Heart disease • Autoimmune diseases

    • Digestive problems • Memory impairment

    • Sleep problems • Skin conditions, such as eczema

    • Pain • Infertility

    • Depression and anxiety

    3
    Signs of stress
    Learn how to recognize when your stress levels are
    out of control. The most dangerous thing about stress
    is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it.
    It starts to feel familiar—even normal.

    Thinking
    • Poor judgment
    • Memory problems
    • Inability to concentrate
    • Seeing only the negative
    • Anxious or racing thoughts
    • Constant worrying

    Emotions
    • Moodiness
    • Irritability or short temper
    • Agitation, inability to relax
    • Feeling overwhelmed
    • Sense of loneliness and isolation
    • Depression or general unhappiness

    Body
    • Aches and pains
    • Diarrhea or constipation
    • Nausea, dizziness
    • Chest pain, rapid heart beat
    • Loss of sex drive
    • Frequent colds

    4
    Behaviour
    • Eating more or less
    • Sleeping too much or too little
    • Isolating yourself from others
    • Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
    • Using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to relax
    • Nervous habits (such as nail biting, pacing)

    If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of stress,


    see your doctor. Your doctor can help you find out whether
    or not your symptoms are stress-related or caused by other
    health problems.

    Learn how to manage stress in a healthy way

    Find the source of your stress. Figure out what is really


    bothering you. It’s the first step in managing your stress.

    Change your environment when possible. For example,


    changing jobs if problems at work are the source of your
    stress.

    Build stronger and more satisfying relationships. A strong


    support network of family, friends or even support groups is
    one of your greatest protections against stress.

    Be physically active. It can be a great stress-buster and can


    boost your heart health, too. Be sure to talk to your doctor
    before starting any activity program.

    5
    Learn relaxation techniques. Activities such as yoga,
    meditation, and deep breathing help activate the body’s
    relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is opposite to
    the stress response.

    Make time for yourself. In trying to meet everyone else’s


    needs, don’t forget to take care of yourself too.

    Use laughter. It’s your body’s natural way to release stress.

    Eat well. Don’t skip meals because hunger can leave you
    vulnerable to stress.

    Be in nature. Spending time outdoors or in nature can reduce


    stress and is important to your mental.

    How much stress is too much?


    The answer is different for every person. Stress affects
    the mind, body and behavior in many ways, and
    everyone experiences stress differently.

    Some people are easy going, while others have trouble


    handling obstacles. Some people even seem to thrive
    on the excitement and challenge of a high-stress
    lifestyle.

    6
    You can’t completely eliminate stress from your life, but you can control how
    much it affects you. Managing stress depends on the supports you have and
    how ready you are to make the changes necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
    Talk to your health care provider about taking steps to control your stress.

    Helpful resources
    Canadian Mental Health Association
    Website: www.cmha.ca
    Phone: 416 789 7957

    Centre for Addiction & Mental Health


    Website: www.camh.net
    Phone: 416 595 6111 or toll free 1 800 463 6273

    Heart & Stroke


    Website: www.heartandstroke.ca
    Phone: 1 888 473 4636

    Have feedback about this document?


    Please fill out our survey. Use this link: surveymonkey.com/r/uhn-pe

    Visit www.uhnpatienteducation.ca for more health information. Contact [email protected] to request


    this brochure in a different format, such as large print or electronic formats.
    © 2022 University Health Network. All rights reserved. Use this material for your information only. It does not replace advice from your
    doctor or other health care professional. Do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment. Ask your health care provider for advice
    about a specific medical condition. You may print 1 copy of this brochure for non-commercial and personal use only.

    Form: D-5743 | Author: Cardiology | Reviewed: 2022

    You might also like