Stress and Stress management

Stress affects everybody in our society. It can be caused by overwork, change at work or home, unemployment, relationships, loss, illness, pollution and the pace of life itself. Stress and anxiety show themselves in many different ways, some people may develop a stress-related illness, others suffer sleep loss, anxiety, panic attacks or muscular tension. One in every four people seeks treatment for stress at some time in their lives. When things are going well and we are feeling fit and happy, stress is not a problem. But when challenges arise, the way we react physically, emotionally and mentally, is the measure of how well we deal with stress.

Stress has been with us since the beginning of time. It is a very primitive response to danger or perceived danger. It can be a positive force and provides the dynamics which distinguishes between actively living and passively existing. Today's life challenges are far more complex than they used to be. We are living in an age of rapid change and are subjected to greater pressures to compete, change, and adapt. But it is possible to achieve a balance between too much and too little stress. More and more employees are experiencing stress at work. They may be coping with too much pressure, long hours or rapid change. The nature of employment has now changed, and the idea of a job for life has been replaced by an emphasis on performance. More mergers and acquisitions are taking place within, and across, national and cultural boundaries and are causing many changes within the workplace, all of which can contribute to stress.

The Fight or Flight Syndrome Stress is just a normal part of life. If we are in a threatening situation, we respond with the Fight or Flight Syndrome, which is an instinctual reaction to danger. All animals respond automatically when they feel under threat. However, often this response is triggered by a situation that is stressful, but not life-threatening. It can be set off by feelings, ideas, memories and expectations, and for many people stress can become a normal reaction to many life situations.

Fight or Flight - Some example of symptoms that can occur

The heartbeat increases to pump blood with greater speed, carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells and clearing away waste products.

As the heartbeat increases the blood pressure rises.

Adrenaline and other hormones are released into the blood.

The liver releases stored sugar for more energy.

The pupils dilate to let in more light.

All the senses work more efficiently.

Muscles tense for movement.

Blood flow is constricted to the hands and feet and they become cold.

The body sweats to cool itself.

Easy to learn techniques for breathing and relaxation are the first steps towards lowering stress levels. Understanding exactly how your body reacts to, and stores stress highlights where life style changes are necessary. Time management, altering old negative beliefs to new positive ones, becoming pro active in your life, can bring body, mind and spirit back into balance. Diet and Lifestyle will also effect how your body responds in a stressful situation therefore its a good idea to make sure your eating correctly. Herbal Medicine and Bach Flower therapies work wonders to aid stress relief and help relaxation. Massage and Shiatsu also encourage deep relaxation and the letting go of stress. Here at Rainbow Apothecary we offer many different therapies that can help with Stress and offer one-to-one Stress Management consultations.

If you suffer with Stress or Anxiety and would like further information, please contact us. info@rainbowapothecary.co.uk or telephone: 01359 233133