“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~Lao-tze, Ancient Chinese Philosopher
Are you tired of suffering from undue stress? How do you know if you are over-stressed? Stress takes a physical, emotional, and relational toll on you and the people around you. The journey toward wellness can be started with the singular step of discovering your extent of suffering and by learning how to move toward embracing life.
Signs & Symptoms of Stress
These physical symptoms may result from stress or mask other conditions besides stress, so consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis:
• sleep disturbances/fatigue • constipation or diarrhea
• weight gain or loss, eating disorders • chest pain, irregular heart beat
• shortness of breath • high blood pressure
• skin problems (hives, eczema) • muscle tension
• immune system suppression • cold hands or feet (e.g. frequent colds, flu, infections)
Emotional symptoms may include:
• nervousness, anxiety • lack of concentration • depression, moodiness
• feeling out of control • overreaction to small things • suicidal thoughts
Relational symptoms may include:
• increased arguments • isolation from social activities
• conflict with co-workers or employers • domestic /workplace violence
• road rage violence • avoiding others
While some people actively manage the amount of stress in their lives and step up self-care when it gets out of control, others of us aren’t aware of the toll it is taking on our physical and emotional well-being. The fact is, between 70 and 90 percent of doctor visits are stress-related. Stress causes anxiety, headaches, muscle spasms, heart attacks, poor work performance, chronic disease, relationship problems…and that’s just for starters! Sometimes life changes come in clusters, resulting in accumulated stress that can lead to major health problems.
The good news: by listening to your body, making new choices, and training yourself to respond differently to the inevitable dramas in life, you can live a joyful, productive, and deeply satisfying life. Begin it today.
Jacki C Stevens, LCSW 