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Help For Stress Management |
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Do you have any of these symptoms? |
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Stress-related symptoms -- The American Academy of Family Physicians reported that 60 percent of presenting problems at physicians’ offices in this country are stress-related. 95 million Americans suffer some stress-related symptom each week and take some medication for the discomfort (Nathan, Staats, & Rosch, 1987). The following is a list of common stress symptoms: |
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Alcohol use Anxiety Blushing Chest pain Chills Cold, sweaty hands Constant fatigue Constipation Depression Dizziness Drug use Dry mouth Faintness Forgetfulness Frequent anger and frustration Frequent colds or flu Frequent crying spells Frequent urination Frowning Gambling or spending Gritting or grinding of teeth Heartburn Hives Increased perspiration |
Increased smoking Jaw pain Lightheadedness Lowered sexual desire or performance Migraine headaches Moodiness Muscle tension and pain Nausea Nervous diarrhea Night sweats Nightmares Overeating Overreaction to small things Panic Poor concentration Problems swallowing Rashes Reduced work efficiency or productivity Ringing in ears Shortness of breath without exercising Stomach cramps Tension headaches Trembling Worry |
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This is not a complete list. These symptoms can have other causes which may involve some disease process. Check with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms before starting a stress reduction program. However, if your doctor rules out other possible causes, you have hope that you can take control of your symptoms and stress and reduce them. Practicing one of more of the following exercises on a regular basis can enhance and maintain wellness. |
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If you have one or more of the above symptoms, try one of these stress reducers: |
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Relaxation Strategies |
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| 1. The relaxation response |
| 2. Deep breathing |
| 3. Progressive muscle relaxation |
| 4. Scanning relaxation |
| 5. Relaxing imagery |
| 6. Cue controlled relaxation |
| 7. Mindfulness Meditation |
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| Introduction and discussion of stress management |
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| Resources on stress management (books and web sites) |
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| Guide to professional help |
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| Disclaimer and copyright |
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