Facts About Stress

The more you know about stress, the better equipped you'll be to minimize stress-related problems. The following information sheds light on some of the lesser known aspects of stress in modern life and illustrates the importance of MINDSOURCE as an effective approach to stress management.

• Stress is not only caused by "bad" events. A new home, marriage or a new job can induce stress as well.
• Nine out of ten Americans report experiencing high levels of stress at least once or twice a week.
• Laughter is indeed good medicine. When you laugh, you actually cause a pleasurable change in your body's chemistry that lasts as long as 45 minutes.
• It is estimated that 75-90% of all visits to family physicians are for stress-related complaints.
• Stress can weaken the body's immune defenses responsible for fighting off ailments ranging from the common cold to herpes.
• Pets can provide excellent stress therapy. The presence of pets and physical contact with them has proven therapeutic for hospital patients.
• Stress-related disorders that were previously associated primarily with men are now on the rise with women as well.
• The soothing stress-relieving power of nature has been recognized for centuries. Many contemporary hospitals and health centers now make "nature areas" a part of their therapeutic environment.
• Stress is not limited to adults. Children also experience stress due to intense competition in school, poor family relationships and more.
• More than one out of four Americans report experiencing high levels of stress on a daily basis.
• Doing good, feels good. Studies suggest that those who volunteer or do similar "good neighbor" work have less incidence of stress-related disorders than those who do not perform such work.
• Stress leads to reduction in sex hormones in both men and women, and this can interfere with sexual functions.
• When properly tailored to the individuals conditioning and enjoyment, exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Stress causes increased muscle spasm which is often responsible for lower back pain.
• Working at a desk for a prolonged period of time can increase tension and decrease efficiency. Doodling, a game of wastebasket basketball or making paper clip chains can provide a needed break and ultimately boost your productivity.
• "Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast," according to William Congreeve a few centuries ago. Music's calming effect has been proven during dental procedures, labor, before and after surgery, and in emergency rooms.
• The heart rate increases under stress to provide more blood to the lungs and muscles. Consequently, chronic stress can lead to problems such as high blood pressure.
• Concentration intensifies and each one of the five senses becomes more acute during stressful situations. Eyes dilate for better vision. Hearing, touch, smell and even taste are enhanced.
• Insomnia and other sleep disorders are very often symptoms of stress-related disorders. This can become a vicious cycle, as the highly-stressed individual requiring even more rest now has more difficulty than ever getting proper sleep.
• While daydreaming is often criticized, it can provide a refreshing break from tension. It can be as simple as recalling pleasant memories or envisioning an upcoming vacation.
• With the erosion of the traditional family support structures, stress has become an increasing problem for the elderly who often face a lonely life that they feel has no meaning.
• Studies have shown that those with longer commutes to work (45 minutes or more) experience more stress than those with shorter daily trips.
• Don't underestimate the healthy benefits from human contact and companionship. Research has revealed lower mortality rates in those with the strongest social ties.
• Stress increases the body's metabolism by increasing the amount of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. This burns the body's fuel faster and if excessive, can lead to rapid weight loss and edginess.
• Some causes of stress can be confronted and conquered. Others can be avoided. Good advice to keep in mind: if you can't fight or flee, flow.