STRESS

Stress is the term used to describe the physical and mental unease experienced during, or in relation to an existing stress-causing circumstance or event. (Anxiety is the term used to describe the same unease felt in relation to a future anticipated event or any residual discomfort after an event).

Stress is driven by the same chemical physiological reaction as anxiety; the firing into the system of adrenaline and oxygen to put the body and mind into a state of hyper-alertness to enable an individual to instinctively react by 'fight or flight'. If this happens on a regular basis, it leaves the individual feeling under pressure; indeed, one of the residual effects of the firing of the adrenaline loop can be increased blood pressure.

Stress is the way our minds and bodies react to anything which disturbs the normal day to day balance of our lives. It can trigger many reactions such as anxiety, depression, crying, feelings of helplessness, aches, pains, palpitations, decrease in sexual desire and more.

Different personality types seem to handle stress differently, some appear to thrive under pressure, others find that pressure renders them unable to function normally making even seeming trivial tasks and decisions seem insurmountable.

Simple relaxation techniques can be remarkably effective at reducing the symptoms of stress and may either be sufficient as a single approach to help an individual navigate a period of high pressured living or can provide much needed relief alongside other therapeutic techniques whilst the root cause of the stress is examined and dealt with.