Thread: Managing stress during the recession and other major life events.

Managing stress during the recession and other major life events

Effects of stress on the body:

1) When body is under stress over long period of time, the body’s immune system may get weak. An individual exposes themselves to other diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer. Usually the body fights of cancer cells as part of a healthy immunity system; however, when the immune system is compromised, the individual may predispose themselves to higher chance of getting cancer.

2) Be aware of your behavior during stressful times. For example during stressful times, people start to compensate by eating more then usual, sleep too much or too little. Some people have other bad habits they rely on such as drinking heavily during stressful times.

Coping methods:

1) Take action. Accept there is stress in your life and get the necessary support and make changes to your lifestyle. Nobody can do this for you but yourself.

2) Talk to your friends, family, health professionals or co-workers· These relations can become great support mechanisms during challenging times. Also consider programs offered at work such as an Employee Assistance Program

3) Breakdown all your current activities and do one thing at a time. If you have too many things on your plate cut down and say no to new responsibilities.

4) Focus on the present. Everytime you think of the doom and gloom, say to yourself : “It will get better”, “It can only get better”. Recognize negative thinking and change your thoughts to positive thinking. You do not control what happens around you but you can control yourself and how you think.

5) Avoid drugs and alcohol.

6) Exercise and set up a regular routine to release everyday stress. Choose a sport you enjoy and make it part of your life. Even brisk walking 30-60 minutes a day or climbing stairs may greatly help.

7) Reduce caffeine. You should not have more then 4 cups of coffee a day.

*copied with permission from Global Healthy Living

nice article

definitely helpful during these stressful times. this one i will print and keep handy! thank you.

Thanks for sharing this healthy. We all go through stressful situations and the coping tips will really help.

4) Focus on the present. Everytime you think of the doom and gloom, say to yourself : “It will get better”, “It can only get better”. Recognize negative thinking and change your thoughts to positive thinking. You do not control what happens around you but you can control yourself and how you think.

I totally agree with this. Positive thinking is best in stressful situations. Negative thinking will only make you feel worst.