MoHow Posted By Dr. MO Stress affects more and more people everyday in our hectic, fast paced society. Stress is something that every person has to manage on a daily basis.

Whether the source of your stress stems from your home, workplace, finances, or other external/internal pressures, the effects of stress can become physically, emotionally, and psychologically hazardous to your health.

Stress is difficult to define because it is a very subjective problem. What is stressful to one person may have virtually no adverse affects on someone else. Response to stress is also very individual. Scientists and health professionals have compiled a list of symptoms that are usually related to stress.

One very common symptom associated with and induced by stress is insomnia. Insomnia is a very common sleep disorder that keeps you awake for extended periods night after night. Stress also affects the levels of certain hormones in the body. High levels of these hormones can make sleep more difficult. The sleep problems that stress creates may ultimately lead to sleep deprivation. Insufficient sleep can potentially worsen your dilemma by further exacerbating whatever situation is causing your stress in the first place.

To manage your stress, a great way to start is to find ways to relieve some of the stress in your life. Below are some simple suggestions:

1. Unplug – Turn off your cell phone, power down your computer. Today, many people feel that they are ‘on call’ all the time. Sever the ties and enjoy some quiet time. Grab that book you’ve been meaning to read and head to the park, or just stay at home and relax in a comfy spot. Enjoy a little peace and quiet.

2. Start saying “No” – Most people are pulled in about 20 different directions all of the time. Help out here, volunteer there…while they are all good causes and they all need help, you aren’t the end all answer for them all of the time. Today, many people volunteer or serve simply because they feel obligated to do so. If you volunteer somewhere, do it because you want to and enjoy it. Learn to say no every once in awhile and use the time doing something you enjoy.

3. Exercise – You don’t necessarily need to go enroll in a gym or start a detailed exercise regime. Just get out for a walk, take a bike ride, or go for a swim. Whatever type of physical activity you enjoy; get out and do it. Exercise is an excellent way to relieve stress. Physical exertion is also a great way to ward off insomnia as well.

4. The Big Picture – When something starts ‘stressing you out’, take a step back and evaluate it in light of everything else going on in the world. Is it really significant enough to cause problems for you? In the grand scheme of things, how important were those two or three extra minutes that you had to wait in line at the store? Let the little things slide.

5. Positive Thinking – It may not sound like much, but it is crucial. This may be hard in the beginning, especially if you are a cynical person, but give it some time. Stress and anxiety is tiring. Positive thinking enables you to overcome your anxiety and find happiness and serenity. You may find that simple mundane things that caused stress before no longer adversely affect you.

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