Stress is very much a part of the human existence.  It shows up when an event or an activity (stressor) presents or demands a response from an individual that is over and beyond what is within limits for that individual.  This could be good, bad or neutral depending on the internal make-up or preparedness of the individual to respond.  What is considered stressful for one might be a motivation for another.  While some look for more activities to pack into their day, others may literally "freeze" if they had to "walk and chew gum" at the same time (multi-tasking).  So then, stress relates to the capacity of an individual to adequately cope with the demands of life which may be mental, emotional, physical or environmental.  Stressors maybe traumatic events, economic downturn, challenging relationships etc.  They may also be positive things like starting a new job, relocating or even getting married. 

When one is presented with a stressor that challenges the body's "Dynamic Equilibrium" (Claude Bernard) , the body senses danger and naturally fights back by releasing neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry messages to and from the nerves), also called stress hormones and they include adrenaline and cortisol.  This action results in the heart pounding faster, muscles tightening, blood pressure rising, breath quickens and senses become sharper.  This energizes and prepares you for instant action creating a "fight or flight response ", which for example is why you can stop a car quickly in an accident, win a competitive race or complete a task within a tight deadline - preparing for exams at last minute comes to mind.  Stress is what keeps you on you toes and focused, sharpening your concentration through demanding activities.  However, if this happens too often or goes on for too long (stress overload), stress stops being helpful and can become harmful to your health and wellbeing, your relationships, productivity and overall quality of life.

Signs and symptoms of stress are in four categories -

• COGNITIVE (mental) including, loss of memory, pessimism, poor judgment, anxious and racing thoughts, lack of concentration, excessive worrying etc.
• EMOTIONAL including, feeling overwhelmed, agitation, feeling lonely and isolated, moodiness, irritability and short temper, general unhappiness etc
• PHYSICAL including, chest pain, headaches, increased heart beat, nausea, dizziness, night sweat, aches and pains, diarrhea and constipation, frequent colds, loss of sex drive etc.
• BEHAVIORAL including increased use of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, isolation, sleeping too much or too little, eating too much or too little, procrastination, nervous habits including nail biting, pacing etc.

If one is experiencing a combination of some of these symptoms, it is prudent to see a Doctor to establish if they are stress related or symptoms of other medical problems.

So how do you deal with stress?
A sensible approach will be to address stress from a holistic (comprehensive - cognitive, emotional, physical, behavioral and spiritual) perspective as it is difficult to isolate and identify a single source of remedy.  Also, it is important to understand that cognitive or emotional problems may not be solved physically or spiritually or vice versa, hence the need for the overview.  It is of essence then to build a personal stress profile of how one is individually stressed in all aspect of life and there-from work out a strategy for dealing with it.  Generally, the following might be helpful.

• Keep a stress journal, documenting the sources of your stressors and how you best deal with them or not.
• Get organized (get help if needed).  Scheduling activities in no small way keeps you from being overwhelmed as things competing for your attention pile up.
• Find a support group around you to enhance your social, mental, physical and spiritual dimensions.
• Make rest a priority.  Shut down the phones, ipod, tv, and yes facebook when it is time to sleep.
• Eat well - do some research on nutritional balance and feed your body (your temple) well.
• Exercise regularly - you will be amazed how far a daily walk around the block or regular, intentional walk up and down your staircase goes.  Park far away from your destination and walk.  The key is to do it regularly and intentionally.  Consider swimming, tennis, golfing etc.
• Speak up - Avoid trying to deal with life alone - none of us is that good.
• Find a hobby - think of something you enjoy doing and start doing it regularly.
• If you are spiritually inclined, do not neglect your faith.  It helps to know that you are not on your own and that someone is looking out for you.

Finally, the whole essence of dealing with stress is about taking "charge" rather than allowing yourself to be submerged by life.  In the words of Les Brown, "If you do not act, life will act on you".

Author
Olaniyi Omotoso