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| "Over time, chronic excessive exposure to stress can lead to physical symptoms and exacerbate many illnesses. Just as stress affects our body, so too it affects the ways we feel, think, and act...By using stress reducing strategies, you can enjoy life's challenges without burning out." | The Wellness Book
by Benson, Stuart and BHI Staff |
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It is easy for stress to accumulate as we make our way through hectic days, throwing us into a negative stress cycle. The cycle starts when we perceive an event as stressful or threatening. This reaction can cause physical or psychological symptoms, which in turn increase our stress. And so the cycle goes: stress makes symptoms worse and increased symptoms lead to more stress.
The negative stress cycle can be difficult to interrupt, so it's better not to get caught up in the first place. Start by taking a minute to review our Stress Warning Signals Checklist, because being aware of the stressors in your life is the first step toward managing them.
If you checked five symptoms or fewer on the checklist, you are coping fairly well. If you checked more, stress may be interfering with your health and quality of life.
It may be time to start a relaxation practice. You can elicit the relaxation response with our easy-to-follow instructions or by listening to one of our relaxation CDs. You may also consider contacting your physician about a referral to mind/body programs and services.
Learning to recognize your early warning signals and taking steps to manage stress may prevent you from entering the unhealthy, negative stress cycle.
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