KRMC journal

What is stress?

Jul 13

KRMCTo Your Health Comments Off

There is no clear-cut definition of stress because what is stressful for one person may be pleasurable or have little effect on another person. In addition, the ways we react to stress vary from person to person as well. The term “stress” was coined by a scientist named Hans Selye in 1936, and he defined stress as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change.”

Here are 15 common signs and symptoms of stress:

1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain
2. Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms
3. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores
4. Unexplained or frequent “allergy” attacks
5. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
6. Sudden attacks of panic
7. Poor sexual desire or performance
8. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings
9. Increased or decreased appetite
10. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams
11. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts
12. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess
13. Reduced work efficiency or productivity
14. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue
15. Weight gain or loss without diet

10 tips for reducing stress:

• Listen to music
• Practice yoga or Tai Chi
• Get a massage
• Exercise! It relieves stress!
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Use visualization or imagery
• Meditation. Relax with sustained concentration.
• Deep breathing
• Drawing and coloring (maybe that’s why kids don’t get stressed out!)
• Laugh!