Stress Management and Relaxation

I honestly feel that stress played its part in the lead up to my own diagnosis of heart disease; it also definitely played a major role after diagnosis!! Although a chapter in my book “Around The Bypass” does touch on the subject of stress-related illnesses, it could not be covered in any great depth due to space restriction. (I could write another book just on the subject of stress – but there are hundreds of such books! any you can find some of the best ones on our books page).

However, following my own set to with stress related diseases, I had no option but to look at ways of reducing my stress levels. As well as a change in lifestyle (I quit my job and stopped wearing a watch – not very practical I know, but it worked for me!) I embarked on a series of relaxation and meditation exercises, which totally transformed my life.

(The following information has been extracted from sources kindly provided by the British Heart Foundation)

There is no agreed definition of stress. Stress is a subjective thing – what is one person’s stress could be a welcome challenge for another person. The term “stress" has become fashionable and stress can be the scapegoat of situations we have failed to accept or take responsibility for. For example, a heart patient may view his or her heart attack as being the result of too much stress, but a closer look at the person’s history might indicate a low level of exercise, high pressure at work and at home, a poor diet and over-use of alcohol and smoking to relax.

However, whatever the debate about the connection between stress and health, chronic stress has been linked to the following stress-related illness:

Migraine
Peptic ulcers
Irritable bowel syndrome
Lowered resistance to infectious diseases
Asthma
Rheumatoid arthritis
Some types of cancer
Diabetes mellitus
Depression
Skin disorders
Coronary heart disease

Symptoms of stress can manifest in four ways:

1. Physical symptoms Muscular tension Muscular aches and pains Tension headaches Palpitations Change in appetite Indigestion Constipation or diarrhoea Breathlessness Dizziness Tiredness Feeling weak Sleeplessness	2. Behavioural signs Smoking Drinking more alcohol than usual Poor concentration Putting things off Inability to finish things Reduced levels of skill Avoiding people
3.Stress-related thoughts Intrusive unwanted thoughts Worrying obsessively Inability to make a decision Self-criticism Being critical of others Lapses of memory	4. Emotional symptoms Irritability Anger or resentment Loss of temper Anxiety Feeling weepy or anxious Loss of sense of humour

Stress has always existed. In the past, stress management was available in various forms. Traditionally for women it took the form of a long conversation with neighbours over the low garden fences – taking a break from household chores, keeping an eye on the children and sharing each other’s woes and concerns about life. The men for the most part went to work. There they would support each other, talk and laugh. This support may well have spilled over into the public house for further relaxation.

These were “unspoken” coping strategies, developed within traditional and accepted environments. However, society changes and the environment in which we now live has little evidence of traditional roles. Instead we have to deal with short-term contracts at work, divided families, high financial demands and less community spirit. There seems to be little general understanding about what exactly stress is. Even the so-called experts argue about its definition. Most people suffering from the effects of stress are unaware of it.

It is useful to think of stress as being a question of balance and control between ourselves and the situation we find ourselves in. When we have this balance right we feel at peace with others and ourselves. We feel positive and are able to put things into perspective and enjoy life. When we do not achieve this balance, however, we become aware of a sense of strain. We have doubts about our achievements, become more inward looking and negative, and feel that we have less control.

We do need some stress in our lives. Going on holiday, being in a competition or giving a talk can all be stressful but have positive outcomes. On the other hand, negative stress can perpetuate a downward spiral and can lead to more serious situations. Stress and unhappiness are normal situations but depression is also common in the population. Depression, like stress, is frequently associated with anxiety. It is even more common amongst those with a physical illness but is less likely to be recognised and treated. Awareness of stress, its symptoms, effects and coping strategies may help prevent the build-up of negative feelings.

We have all developed coping mechanisms through our own life experiences. However we have to dispel the belief that taking time to relax is similar to being lazy. It is not. Taking time to relax is a sensible approach to maintaining our health and well being.

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Stress Management and Relaxation

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