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Work or business-related stress is part of everyday life. The effects of stress are cumulative and, without time to relax and recharge, can lead to headaches, backaches, listlessness and poor concentration, anxiety, and burnout. Worse, you bring it with you at home. And just before you know it, you already got yourself to trouble and spoil the family’s weekend. This is what I just went through lately, thus this column.        

Failing to manage stress properly can be both devastating to you, to your work and at home. It can affect almost every aspect of your life, including physical changes, psychological changes, sleep and sexual disturbances, memory, concentration and learning.

No one is immune to stress – in fact it’s actually a global phenomenon. Statistics by Roper Starch Worldwide show that increased stress can lead to heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, suicide, poor immune response and deficiency, memory loss and obesity. The same research also says that stress affects women differently than men.

People between the ages of 13 and 65 in 30 countries showed that women who work full-time and have children under the age of 13 report the greatest stress worldwide. Nearly one in four mothers who work full-time and have children under 13 feel stress almost every day. Globally, 23% of women executives and professionals, and 19% of their male peers, say they feel “super-stressed.”

In another research conducted by the University of Helsinki in Finland published in the recent issue of Psychosomatic Medicine, young men with high work demands and a lack of control over their job situation show signs of early “atherosclerosis” or thickening of the carotid arteries which can heighten the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

But how do we deal stress? “In combating serious stress, one should first carefully appraise the seriousness of the situation and the adequacy of one’s coping resources,” explains Dr. Kenneth B. Matheny, director of counseling psychology at Georgia State University in Atlanta and co-author of “Stress and Strategies for Lifestyle Management.”

When faced with a highly stressful event in your life, Dr. Matheny suggests that you first avoid unnecessary changes in your work or lifestyle. Secondly, keep a quiet mind. “In times of stress, the mind makes things appear worse than they are by creating endless versions of impending disaster. Because the body can’t tell the difference between fact and fantasy, it responds with heightened physical response.” says Matheny.  

Thirdly, take action. Commit yourself to a reasonable course of action to deal with the stressor. “Action is a powerful stress-reducer. Research shows that the body lowers its production of epinephrine, a powerful stress hormone, when a person shifts into action.” adds, Matheny. 

There are also non-prescription alternatives on the market today. Some of these alternatives contain supplemental vitamins and minerals, while others contain herbal alternatives that have been used to naturally medicate stress. Zinc for example is an essential mineral that combats depression and stress and has already been confirmed by numerous clinical studies according to The Health Center a comprehensive resource and mental wellness center.

Aerobic activity such as vigorous walking is I think another way to reduce stress and improve overall quality of life; walk or do whatever type of exercise you feel comfortable with.

One friend also suggested to me is to take time out to relax “at least once or twice a day.” This is also what experts are saying which is to decompress by relaxing — perhaps by listening to soothing music, taking a walk, gardening, reading or exercising. You could also choose to perform a more formal relaxation technique such as deep breathing or meditation.

And speaking of busting stress, looks like Olango Island is the place to get away from it all...now what about you?        

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