May 2009
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Stress Kills....What's Your Excuse? Get Movin'!
By Sandy Maldonado, Assistant Manager, Crull Fitness (972) 497-9900
24/7/365. Life never stops.
It seems there are never enough hours in the day to complete all the tasks on the “to do” list at work and at home. Even during sleep, which should be stress free and peaceful, our minds are racing in anticipation. No matter how hard we try, we stress about tomorrow. Amidst the chaos, have you ever wondered what all the stress is doing to your physical and emotional well-being? If not, maybe the following information will make you stop and reevaluate.
There have been many studies done on the affects of stress and the toll it takes on health inside and out. The affects of stress go beyond wanting to pull your hair out! Stress affects the outward appearance just as much as it affects the inside.
The skin, unfortunately, is where stress shows itself first. In reaction to stress, the skin becomes more reactive and sensitive than normal. Stress can contribute to exacerbation of certain conditions such as rosacae and psoriasis. Stress can also cause acne lesions to be more inflamed and persistent. Brittle nails, hair loss, and dehydrated skin are not uncommon side effects of stress either. When your skin is stressed, it becomes impossible to properly absorb the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy condition. Scratching, rubbing, and pulling are stress related behaviors that when exhibited can create new skin irritations or worsen existing skin conditions that have been brought on by stress. Well, so much for flawless summer skin; however, before you run to the tanning bed to cover up stress scars, keep reading to learn how to effectively manage stress.
In addition to the outward effects stress can have, there are many internal symptoms ranging from anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, moodiness, stomach problems, headaches, chest pain, allergic reactions, sleeping problems and depression. The list goes on . . . These symptoms are only the beginning in a line of potentially more serious health problems that can develop with the presence of chronic stress: diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, obesity, anxiety disorder, sexual dysfunction, tooth and gum disease, ulcers and possibly cancer. It’s a fact that about 90% of doctor’s visits are for symptoms that are partially stress-related.
Okay, I know this sounds discouraging and now you are stressed about the stress, but calm down! There is hope and there are ways to manage stress that will improve overall health and decrease stress susceptibility. Take a different approach to handling stress besides screaming at the kids or the dog and try some of these proven techniques.
Learn to relax by simply doing an activity you enjoy like taking a yoga class which will teach you breathing techniques to relax the body and mind. Treat yourself to a facial or body treatment. Practice good nutrition to ensure your body is getting sufficient vitamins and nutrients to sustain an on the go lifestyle. The number one way to handle stress successfully is EXERCISE!!! Physical activity can decrease “stress hormones” like cortisol and increase endorphins in the body, which are “feel good” chemicals. Exercise is a natural mood booster - who needs energy drinks?
Next time work throws that extra project on you or the soccer coach schedules a practice for your only day off, redirect your energy and take a walk or join the local gym to release the frustration! Not only does exercise free the mind and body, but it tones, firms, aids in weight loss and strengthens the body’s immunity to colds, flu, and other minor illnesses while at the same time increasing the body’s ability to manage stress.
What’s your excuse? Get movin’ today!
Action News is a monthly publication of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Communications Department.
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