Tis the Season…to be Stressed
Ways to Cope
T
o
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he holiday season can be a joyous time. But, in addition to the everyday problems we face, plus the unique circumstances of each person’s life that create stress, the extra demands of shopping, entertaining, and attending parties and events can take their toll. Stress can make you feel frazzled, overwhelmed, and may affect your health.
DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING? Based on results from a poll of Advisory Group Members
Depression Insomnia or sleeping too much
Irritability
7
18
13
5
Change in sex drive
8
Aches and pains (i.e. headaches, chest pain, etc.)
8 32 6
Skin problems
Stomach problems
Symptoms of stress Physical signs Are you experiencing aches and pains, like headaches, muscle aches, or chest pain? If it’s chest pain, be sure to see your doctor to rule out a heart attack before assuming it’s stress. • Fatigue • Change in sex drive • Stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation • Sleep problems • Hair loss • Weight loss or weight gain • Frequent colds • Skin conditions, like eczema • Mood changes • Anxiety or restlessness • Lack of motivation • Irritability or anger • Overly emotional, sadness, or depression • Tense or frozen feeling • Inability to concentrate • Feeling overwhelmed • Lonely or isolated feelings
Behavior • Are you over-eating or under-eating? • Do you have angry outbursts? • Are you drinking more alcohol than usual or taking drugs (more than medically recommended or using illegal substances)? • Are you withdrawing from friends and family? • Are you exhibiting nervous habits, like nail biting or pacing?
Coping with stress Overeating or undereating
Hair loss
By Cheryl Stuck
• Plan breaks for yourself. Make leisure time a necessity, not a luxury. • Learn to say no. You can’t do everything for everyone. Choose only the projects or volunteer efforts you have the time and the energy for. Delegate if necessary. • Increase physical activity. • Learn relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi. • Improve your diet. • Don’t be reluctant to ask for help.
Advisory group members are: Margie Beeler • Susan Boddy • Christie Bollinger, RN • Sherrice Bond • Kim Broecker • Jennifer Brown • Linda Burry • Kimberly Carpenter, DC • Tamella Buss Cassis, MD • Holly Clark • Stacy Cohen, RN • Diane Collins, RN • Pat Cooke • Funmilayo Dixon • Laurie Duesing • Kelly Davis Fleenor • Tanya Franklin, MD • Julie Garrison, MBA • Carol Graham, MD • Dawn Hayden • Pam Hayden, RN • Mary Haynes • Gretchen Houchin • Mary Jennings • Alexis Karageorge, MD • Dee Jay Kelly • Tomiko Coates Kiefer • Diane Kissel • Kristi Jedlicki Levenhagen • Melissa Little • Sean Maguire, MD • Geri Manning • Lisa Mattingly • David McArthur • Anne McReynolds • Tara Morris • Maria Munoz • Tina Nuttall, MBA, FACHE • Denise Orwick, RPh • Betsy Paulley • Mae Pike • Leesa Richardson, MD • Ticonna Roberts • Cheryl Scanlon • Rhonda Sigler • Burke Stephens • Rebecca Terry, MD • Myrdin Thompson • Deborah Tuggle • Lannette VanderToll • Jessica Walker • Marine Walls • Janie Biagi Watts • Cenia L. Wedekind • Anthony Westmoreland, RPh • Cathi Wiley • Kathy Wilkinson • Debbie Williams • Allison Young, LMT
54
NOVEMBER
2011
Today’s Woman