Lesson One - Risk Factors

Stress

Stress is a normal part of life. It is expected. However, too much stress left uncontrolled over an extended period of time has a negative effect on your physical health.

Signs you are under too much stress and need to make some changes include:


Knowing you have stress is not enough to be preventative. You actually have to do something about managing your stress. Some recommended ways to manage your stress are:

• Identify why you are stressed. Once you know where your stress comes from, it is easier to work to remove the source of the stress.
• Solve the problems in your life as they come up.
• Talk about your problems. Simply talking about your problems can help with perspective and help find ways to lessen the stress.
• Simplify your life. Remember that it is okay to say no. Sometimes the source of stress is overscheduling.
• Learn positive and helpful thinking. Expecting the worst case or always trying to be perfect can cause considerable stress.
• Learn stress management strategies. There are courses, books, and websites available to help you learn stress management techniques.
• Use mindfulness strategies such as yoga, meditation, journalling, prayers, breathing exercises, etc. These will help you become aware of your thought processes so that you can manage your responses to stressful situations.
• Engage in physical activity. The hormones produced during exercise can help improve your mood and how you deal with stress.
• Do something you enjoy. Doing something fun, that makes you laugh, or otherwise gives you a temporary break from the things that are causing your stress. It is important to not use this strategy as a means of just putting off the things that you need to do as that can cause more stress.