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How to conquer stress Do you manage the stress in your htc. or dt‘dx ll manage you"? Have you ex en felt frazzled or despairing. lacing situations which appeared totally overwhelming"? There is no way to predict what circumstances will arise on any given day, and the accompanying stress is just as unavoidable; it is simply the body's reaction to change. We can‘t see stress directly. but we can feel it and its influence on our physical and emotional health. We can also learn to make stress work for Us in ways that are positive and L'fL’LlllVE, Stress means different things to different people. Suppose you are asleep and not consciously aware of any stress. But after an eventful day, you are still under some stress. Your heart must go on pumping, your digestive system will keep on work- ing. even your brain goes on dream« mg. Only when there is no demand on your body to change or react will there be no stress. Any activity or situation that hap- pens to you in your life. demanding change. may create stress. Many of these events are unanticipated, and not all stressful events are sad or depressing Even joyous occasions, such as Christmas, weddings, a new Job, or a move to a new place can cause stress. Major Causes EXTERNAL l) uncertainty and change â€"fear of outside forces â€"loo much change in too short a time 2) work/school environment â€"amount of work and responsibility â€"conflict with authority, others 3) survival issues â€"money, housing, food. clothing INTERNAL 4) family situations 5) interpersonal conflict 4 H & C December, January 1989 6) secondary stress stemming from a close relationship with someone experiencing severe stress 7) uncertainty about one's role, future The internal sources of stress are often more complex than the exterâ€" nal ones, but in either case, you have reached a point of no return and the world around you is being changes. As a result, you must change and the only sure thing you can change is yourself. You can't change the other person, and you can‘t always change the situation. This realization, believe it or not, is a step in growth, and allows you to use stress as a positive force rather than a negative one. How can we recognize when we or others around us are under stress? Are there recognizable symptoms that serve as indicators? Emotional signs may include irritability, excit- ability, depression and sadness, an inability to concentrate, impulsive behavior, and an overpowering urge to cry, run or hide. Physical symp- toms may lnclude fatigue, change in appetite, headaches, ulcers, hay fever, weakness, dizziness or being easily startled by small sounds. What can we dot to cope more creatively with stress? Coping definâ€" itely involves adapting on a daily basis to a stressful situation, suing some of these tools: balanced meals with limited intake of caffeine, salt, sugar and simple carbohydrates (found in donuts, pastries and junk food); relaxation and exercise; enough sleep; a variety of leisure time activities; and a conscious deci- sion to manage both your time and your physical resources. Estimate your available time realistically, and set aside specific blocks of time for difficult or disliked tasks. If you can’t manage your “mt efficiently, than you won't be manag_ ing your life without excess Stress Be your own boss. Say no and meal it when you know that you can‘t or haven't time to take on extm responsibilities. To help you reduce conflict and stress at home, remember; take {ij for yourself; try to talk about the things that bother you, either with those involved or a neutral friend set small steps to reach goals. and lastly, be prepared to forgivo your family and friends for one annoving habit each month. ' Taking control of your environ- ment means taking control of your day, week, and month with realistic goals, and allowing opportuniti :s for success and failure. When you feel you are in command of at least part of your own destiny, you will b: able to put stressful situations into pro- per perspective. No one should try to eliminate stress; instead turn it in- to a positive experience for every: me, but especially yourself. Stress is the spice of life; use it creativel; Nancy Larmer is a rural org.:m1a- tions consultant with the Rural Organizations and Services B 'anch of the Ontario Ministry of Ag. It‘ul- ture and Food.