Buying gifts, cooking for others, writing cards, making cookies for your child’s class, family members not getting along, cleaning the house for guests, weather interfering with plans, caring for elderly parents, everyone has the flu … any of those situation fit your life?  This time of year can be a great source of stress.

What is stress? Well, the textbook definition of stress is “a particular pattern of disturbing psychological and physiological reactions that occur when an environment event threatens important motives and taxes one’s ability to cope.” Basically, without all the blah, blah, stress is the “wear and tear” our bodies experience as we adjust to our shifting environment.

Stress is not all bad. In fact, some stress is good… everyone needs stress in his or her lives. Life would be pretty boring without the rush … the buzz of life. It is an unavoidable part of life. Stress helps us to develop new skills and behavior patterns. Too much stress and for too long can make you feel miserable, worried, sad, and ill.

Contrary to popular belief, stress is not the pressure from the outside – divorce, fight with a friend, debt, sickness, upcoming exam. Those are stressors. How you handle those situations makes-up stress.

When you are stressed, you may feel overwhelmed… like you have too much to do in too little time or you feel that everyone wants something from you and you can’t be everything to everyone. You may feel angry, like people are judging you unfairly, and just plain impatient at the world around you. You may cry and get upset about small things. And you may worry about everything. Sound familiar?

OK, so you’re stressed! What can do to deal and control your stress? The best thing to do is talk about it with someone who cares and will listen such as a friend, parent, spouse, or even a pet.

Other tips for dealing with stress:

• Deep breathing, medication or other relaxation techniques.

• Make sure to get a good night’s sleep.

• Eat a light breakfast before going to school.

• Organize daily activities with a calendar and to-do list.

• Reward yourself with treats.

Physical Symptoms of Stress:

• Increased heart rate

• Rapid breathing

• Stammering

• Headaches; stomach aches; chest pains

• Diarrhea

• Sweating

• Sleeplessness

• Alcohol, drug, and/or food addiction

• Talk to someone and get help.

Find what your stressors are and overcome them!