Overcoming Stress - What Needs To Be Done?

By Charlie Michaels

There is little doubt that stress is a very big problem in our society today. Maybe it's the hectic pace at which we're living these days. You've probably heard that job-related stress is really on the rise. Just about everyone from bankers to lawyers to IT consultants are experiencing a much higher degree of stress than ever before. Maybe you're even experiencing a lot of stress in the work arena yourself. And, of course, it's not just employment worries that can lead to stress. Everything from personal problems to the growing credit crunch can play a role in increasing stress levels. And with added stress comes the greater possibility of health problems.

Most of the time the body can handle a moderate amount of short-term stress, but it doesn't bounce back so quickly from long-term stress. Moreover, even short-term stress such as a bad day at work can sometimes give you a migraine at the end of the day.

Stress comes from the Latin word "stringere". That means to stretch out; and when the muscles become too tight from tension, we feel pain.

Stress-related symptoms including pain originate in the brain. In times of stress, your brain releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol that can result in symptoms like perspiration and an increase in respiration, blood pressure and heart rate, all for the purpose of preparing the body for the fight or flight response. The release of these and other hormones, however, can cause the muscles to tense up, thereby resulting in pain and irritation of the nerves.

Your neck already has the big job of holding up your head so it's prone to injury. When you tense up, you often tense up there. Habits such as the way you talk on the phone or type on the computer only serve to aggravate neck stress and pain.

Radiating neck pain can also be caused by mental stress. Fortunately, some exercises can help to alleviate this pain. However, it might be a good idea to seek aid from a physical therapist.

Here's one exercise that you can try: Sit or stand straight then gently lower your chin to your chest. You should feel the muscles at the back of your neck being stretched. Hold the position for 15 seconds and then lower your head gently to one side. Hold the position for another 15 seconds and then repeat on the other side.

Aside from causing different forms of muscle pain, stress can even lead to heart problems and depression, so you have to address your stress. You can make use of relaxation techniques, seek the help of a doctor or physiotherapist if needed, and most importantly try to resolve the underlying cause of your stress. - 32513

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