Stress - What is it?

According to Wikipedia:

“Stress (roughly the opposite of relaxation) is a medical term for a wide range of strong external stimuli, both physiological and psychological, which can cause a physiological response called the general adaptation syndrome, first described in 1936 by Hans Selye in the journal ‘Nature’”.

Stress is all too common, can happen to everybody irrespective of age or sex, and can be caused by any number of situations or events, so much so that a recent study (Neurofen) found that 40% of workers took time off work because of stress related problems. In the work environment for example, stress could be caused by the lack of power or influence over one's working life, or maybe even excessive work pressure caused by time constraints and/or complexity. At home, stress could be caused by bereavement or even moving location.

Too much stress on a person can cause health problems. Whereas small amounts of stress can actually help give us increased energy and alertness, even helping to keep us focused on the problem at hand.

The symptoms of stress can manifest themselves in a number of ways, some of these being anxiety, depression, headaches, shortness of breath and so on. You should however, if faced with any of these symptoms consult your doctor to make sure that they aren’t caused by any other health problems.

There are some general tips that could help in coping with stress, and these are;

• Don’t worry about things you can’t control (i.e. the weather).
• Prepare to the best of your ability for events you know may be stressful, like a job interview.
• Get enough rest and sleep.
• Try to look at change as a positive challenge, not a threat.
• Work to resolve conflicts with other people.
• Talk with others - Talk with friends, professional counsellors, support groups or relatives about what is bothering you. 
• Set realistic goals at home and at work.
• Exercise - Physical activity is one of the most effective stress remedies around!
• Eat well balanced meals and get enough sleep.
• Use relaxation techniques - yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
• Get away from your daily stresses with group sports, social events and hobbies