De-Stressing (Finding ways to Relax)
By any means necessary, please find out and apply whatever makes you relax (excluding food and/or drugs). But, before you start, you must know how to recognize your stress. The first step in learning to manage stress is to identify what is causing it, again not everyone responds to events the same way. Stress can be linked to external factors as well as internal factors.
EXTERNAL FACTORS
- Work
- Family
- Community
- Environment
- Unpredictable events
INTERNAL FACTORS
- Unrealistic or high expectations
- Perfectionism
- Worry
- Negative attitudes and feeling
- Irresponsible behavior
- Poor health and poor health habits
Once you identify the source of your stress you might not be able to avoid them, but at least you’ll know what they are. As a part of your overall strategy to manage stress, try to become more tolerant – of yourself and of situations over which you have no control. Understand and accept that changes are constant and will continue to occur whether you like it or not.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL BEHAVIORS
- Grinding teeth Irritability Impatience
- Headache Anxiety Overeating or loss of Appetite
- Tight, dry throat Feeling of impending doom Being argumentative
- Clenched jaw Depression Procrastination
- Chest pain Slowed thinking Increased use of alcohol & drugs
- Shortness of breath Racing thoughts Increased smoking
- Pounding heart Feeling of helplessness Withdrawal or isolation
- High blood pressure Feeling of hopelessness Neglecting responsibility
- Muscle ache Feeling of worthlessness Poor job performance
- Indigestion Feeling of lack of direction Burnout
- Constipation or diarrhea Feeling of insecurity Poor personal hygiene
- Increased perspiration Sadness Change in religious practices
- Cold, sweaty hands Defensiveness Change in close relationship
- Fatigue Anger
- Insomnia Hypersensitivity
- Frequent illness Apathy
You can deal with stress in many ways. Oncologists often suggest stress management, such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises, guided imagery, or spirituality, to calm the inner tempest. You can also talk about your problems with others, listen to some music to help you relax, or sit in a warm bath or a hot tub at the end of the day.
Learn to solve interpersonal conflicts, manage anger, practice positive thinking, develop an action plan, manage your time, and be patient. The cells that are responsible for cancer surveillance work best in an environment favoring confidence and calm, and it is important that the message springing from our thoughts and transmitted to our cells is commensurate with healing.
Namaste!