STRESS

Apart from self help options mentioned in the Management section, one option is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. You talk through your problems with a therapist. The aim is to alter the negative thought patterns arising from stress and the behaviour that comes with it.  Medication : You doctor may also suggest medication such as: Barbiturates like phenobarbital, butabartital, amobarbital, mephobarbital  Benzodiazepines like lprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, diazepam and…

Testing for stress If you decide to consult a doctor, he or she may give you a questionnaire to fill out. It will ask you about situations that cause you stress, how frequently you are stressed, what causes increased stress and the symptoms you feel. Your stress level is assessed at the end of the test – the higher the score, more the stress. 

Different types of stress Acute stress is short-term and is caused by the demands of life – for instance, your child is struggling at school or you are worried about clinching a contract. This does not cause extensive damage and is manageable. This is the most common type of stress.  Chronic stress is long-term stress that the patient cannot get rid of. It is caused by longstanding situations, like being trapped in a hopeless job, in poverty, unhappy marriage or violent…

Symptoms may include the following: Forgetfulness Inability to focus Low energy levels because of too much worrying  Headaches Frequent infections because of low immunity levels due to elevated stress levels Upset stomach Insomnia Irritability Pounding heart Clenched jaw Muscle pain and stiffness If these symptoms are ongoing and you can’t seem to stop them, consult a doctor.

What causes stress Stress is caused by changes in your environment, be it the home or the workplace, or life-altering events like bereavement, illness, financial worries or divorce. The severity of the condition varies for each person, depending on his/her innate strength to face a particular problem. Are you at a risk of developing stress These factors heighten risk, for example: Childhood experiences, such as abusive behaviour, have long-term effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary system,…

“My anxieties have anxieties,” said Charlie Brown echoing many of us. Stress is a part of life, but why and how do some deal with it better than others? Savita Narayan breaks it down with practical tips for fortifying your inner strength.   “If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved, worrying will do you no good.” Shantideva, 8th century Buddhist teacher “Stress comes from the way you relate to events or situations.” ― Chris Prentiss, Zen and the Art…

1. Buddhify This nicely-designed UK-created app is aimed at busy urbanites. You tell it whether you’re at the gym, walking, commuting or home.  2. Sleep Easily Meditation There’s a 25-minute guided meditation that combines soothing music with talking you through the relaxation process.  3. Calm – meditation and relaxation There are seven guided sessions running from 2-20 minutes with a range of background scenes and sounds to choose from Free for iOS and Android 4. Smiling Mind…

Think you know all the reasons? Prepare to be surprised. By family practitioner and marathoner Dr Gita Mathai. Plus, how much to exercise to get its real benefits. We all want to look good, be slim and healthy. There’s one magic pill for this and it’s called exercise. Even if you’re ‘too tired’ or ‘too busy’, you need to get off that couch now.  Benefits of regular exercise Exercise helps to achieve ideal body weight if also combined with calorie restriction.…

Study published in The Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports shows that even gentle lunchtime strolls can perceptibly - and immediately - buoy and improve people's moods and ability to handle stress at work. To assess people's moods, the volunteers set up a specialized app that included a list of questions about their emotions - stress, tension, enthusiasm, workload, motivation, physical fatigue.   Walkers said they felt more enthusiastic, less tense, more relaxed on the…

You are focused on looking after a patient with a chronic condition. But you, the caregiver, may also be at risk. Rama Murali of Care3 (Care Cubed), a support network and resource bank for caregivers, gives you some tips on how to avoid caregiver burnout. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha Why focus on Caregiver health? Although caregiving can be truly rewarding for many, the 24×7 nature of caring for a…