Stress and Herbal Remedies

Stress costs industry over 150 billion dollars a year in the US alone. In the UK, as much as 60 percent of all absenteeism is believed to be caused by stress-related disorders. In Norway, work-related sickness costs 10 percent of the Gross National Product. The Japanese have an officially recognized condition called karoshi - death from stress caused by too much work. We hear it every day - the staggering costs of stress.

But what exactly is stress? Where does it come from? And what can we do about it? It's easy to point to increasing urbanization, aging populations, changing gender roles, chaotic cultural climates, the amount and speed of information and new technology as the culprits. All of these factors have a significant impact on our lives - for better or for worse. However, reducing stress and reversing its effect on our individual lives ultimately is an inside job.

You see, stress is different for each of us. Although you may delight in delivering this year's marketing report to a packed house, I may pass out before I reach the podium! What you may interpret as a "light schedule" may be overwhelming to me.

By acknowledging the differences in individual styles, rhythms, preferences, and priorities AND refraining from judging them as good/bad or right/wrong we can significantly reduce our own stress level. It all begins with awareness.

The first step is to identify our stressors. Once we know who, what, when, where, and why we freak out, we have the top tool to tackle tension - feedback. Next we'll need to notice what we are telling ourselves (internal conversations) while under stress and how we typically respond (action patterns). Once we become aware of these internal conversations ("If I don't get this project finished by 5:00, I'll lose my job!") and action patterns ("I just won't sleep until I finish this project... no problem"), it's time to challenge them to see if they have any basis in reality. In most cases, our first - and natural - reaction under pressure is a bit extreme.

Of course there's no denying the physical component to stress - the racing pulse, sweaty palms, dilated eyes, shortness of breath. Most of us know this as "the fight or flight" syndrome. There is also a third component called "freeze" (think of a deer in the headlights). The stress response kicks in automatically whenever our body perceives a threat. Although this response can help us function more effectively in the short run, it can be extremely damaging to the body in the long run.

So what are we to do? Enter the fourth option - flow. When we are able to challenge the typical conversations or action patterns that seize control when panic strikes, we can usually relax and flow with the situation.

The next time you feel your blood pressure rising, take a slow, deep breath and imagine yourself flowing with the situation. It may take some practice and require a little creativity, but the benefits begin with the first breath.

About the Author:

Penny Plautz is a wellness consultant who specializes
in helping individuals and corporations find solutions
to stress. Visit her at http://www.stressedforsuccess.com
or call her at (505)466-6788 to find out how to tame
the tension in your life.

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