Thursday, April 19, 2018

Stress Management

Hey everybody, I am going to be talking about stress management, how to communicate through stress, the signs and symptoms of stress, how to use aromatherapy for stress relief, and 30 ways to de-stress in less than 10 minutes. Yesterday was National Stress Awareness Day and I want to help people with that in any way possible.  I haven't posted in the last two weeks because I wanted to take a break. Thank you for your patience my friends.

30+ Ways to De-Stress in Less than 10 Minutes
  1. Listen to your favorite tunes
  2. Head outside
  3. Stretch
  4. Meditate
  5. Read for pleasure
  6. Walk, bike, or skateboard around the block
  7. Count to 10
  8. Dance
  9. Journal
  10. Write down 10 things you're grateful for
  11. Doodle or draw
  12. Tell some jokes
  13. Call a friend
  14. Chew a piece of gum
  15. Focus & notice your present surroundings (grounding)
  16. Disconnect from tech
  17. Look at a happy photo
  18. Squeeze a stress ball
  19. Watch a funny YouTube video
  20. Punch a pillow
  21. Deep, slow breathing
  22. Read an inspirational quote
  23. Spend time with your pets
  24. Practice yoga poses
  25. Do 20 jumping jacks
  26. Do something nice for someone
  27. Sit in the sun
  28. Visualize a safe comforting place
  29. Pick some flowers
  30. Give yourself a neck massage
  31. Take a shower
  32. Kick a soccer ball
65 Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Cognitive Symptoms:
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Seeing only the negative
  • Anxious or racing thoughts
  • Difficulty in decision - making 
  • Trouble learning new information
  • Constant worrying
  • Nightmares
  • Guilt
  • Poor judgement
  • Forgetfulness, disorganization
Emotional Symptoms:
  • Depression, general unhappiness
  • Low self - esteem, lonely, worthless
  • Overwhelmed, like losing control
  • Frequent crying spells, suicidal thoughts
  • Moodiness
  • Apathy
  • Irritability, short temper
  • Agitation, inability to relax
Physical Symptoms:
  • Nervousness, shaking
  • Weakness, fatigue
  • Twitching, tremors
  • Aches, pains, tense muscles, muscle spasms
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Nausea, dizziness, light - headed
  • Chest pain, palpitations, rapid heartbeat
  • Frequent colds and infections
  • Loss of sex drive/ability
  • Excess belching, flatulence
  • Unexplained "allergy" attacks
  • Weight gain/loss without change in diet
  • Ringing, buzzing, popping sounds
  • Cold or sweaty hands/feet
  • Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing
  • Clenched jaw, grinding teeth
  • Hair loss
  • Acne
  • Rashes, itching
  • Numbness
  • Hot/cold waves
  • Sweating
  • Tingling
  • Low energy
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Heartburn
  • Panic attacks
  • Sense of vomiting
  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty breathing
Behavioral Symptoms:
  • Changes in appetite
  • Sleeping too much, too little
  • Social withdrawal, isolation
  • Aggression, hostility
  • Overreactions
  • Defensiveness, suspiciousness
  • Problems in communication
  • Obsessive or compulsive behavior
  • Nervous habits (nail biting, fidgeting, pacing)
  • Low interest in appearance, punctuality
  • Stuttering, rapid or mumbled speech
  • Procrastinating, neglecting responsibilities
  • Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
  • Lies/excuses to cover up poor work
  • Increased number of minor accidents
  • Excessive gambling, impulse buying
Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

Did you know that the art of aromatherapy can be traced back the the great ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome where essential oils were valued for their many uses?

Lavender:
Calming, overcomes nervous tension, depression and chaotic energy.

Eucalyptus:
Increases brainwave activity and counters mental fatigue. Promotes clarity of mind and increases energy.

Peppermint:
Effective at nerve relaxation; it relieves pain, promotes healthy digestion and increases energy.

Citrus:
Invigorating, calming, and reassuring. Also helps with depression.

How to Communicate Under Stress

Speak Carefully:
  1. Be specific.
  2. Stay focused.
  3. Say less.
  4. Stay it with tact.
Listen Attentively:
  1. Receive criticism successfully.
  2. Accept what is said without giving advice.
  3. Don't interrupt.
  4. Listen with empathy.
Respond Accurately:
  1. Be honest.
  2. Get all the facts.
  3. Check all your interpretations.
  4. Listen to yourself.

Thank you all for reading. I am going to be posting another blog later this week. Until next time.

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