USF-COM
Department
of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
What is Stress?
Stress most simply is the way you react(physically and mentally) to change.
Stress can be positive or negative. A little stress can be good in helping
you finish tasks and making life interesting. However, too much stress
can seriously affect your physical and mental health. Everyone deals with
stress, but it is how well you deal with stress determines if you'll suffer
ill effects. Long term effects of too much stress include fatigue, headaches,
depression, back pain, trouble sleeping, stomach upset or ulcers, and even
heart attacks.
Return
to top of page
Who is Affected?
43% of adults suffer adverse health effects from too much or uncontrolled
stress. Approximately 75 - 90% of office visits to the doctor are stress
related complaints. It has been estimated that due to missed days from
work, decreased productivity and worker’s compensation claims it costs
up to 300 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR!
Return
to top of page
What can you do to identify your stressors?
-
Make a list of things you find stressful.
-
Check all the things on the list that you can change.
-
Next look at one item and list the ways you can resolve the stressful situation.
-
Keep a journal of situations where you feel stressed and write down how
you reacted.
-
Review your journal and decide what would have been a better way to react.
Then What:
-
Use these ideas next time to deal with the situation in a stressful manner.
-
Learn to use relaxation techniques to relax the tension in your muscles.
-
Develop a positive attitude and lifestyle by eating a nutritious diet,
exercising, getting enough sleep and keeping close friends and relationships
intact.
-
Seek help from your physician he/she can give you advice and be an objective
listener. He/she can also help you find a counselor or direct you to stress
reducing programs.
-
Lastly, be good to yourself. Take a break and get away for a few moments,
it can make a difference.
Return
to top of page
10 ways to Relieve Stress:
-
Deep Breathing.
-
Read a good book.
-
Sit in a quiet room with you eyes shut and think of a peaceful quiet place.
-
Body stretches.
-
Go for a walk or exercise.
-
Take a bubble bath.
-
Talk to a friend.
-
Listen to you favorite CD.
-
Get a massage.
-
Do something you love.
If these are not useful then make up your own stress reducers; avoiding
alcohol, drugs or food.
Return
to top of page
Websites for additional information