How to Manage the
Physical Effects of Stress

* Do you have a short fuse?

* Do your sleeping patterns change?

* Do you have less patience for your loved ones?

* Do you gain weight?

* Do you lose weight?

* Do you project your stress onto others?

Sometimes the physical effects of stress seem unmanageable and overwhelming. When this happens, some people isolate themselves which can make the situation worse.

Well, I've got great news for you!

If stress is a big part of your life, I want you to know that there is a way for you to get back in charge! You CAN control what stresses you and how you manage it.

It certainly is not an easy task...many people lead stress-filled lives for many years. But it is an essential task as the physical effects of stress can be overpowering and hinder your ability to live a full, healthy life.

The first step here is to identify what your stressors are, why they are stressful to you, and why you are in those situations. Are you able to control your stressors or are some of them out of your hands?

For example, almost every morning you find yourself running late to work, as it seems to take the kids forever to get their stuff together and get out the door.

And you have the kind of boss who is peering out his window, taking notes of who arrives when. You start off the day feeling exasperated and anxious - physical effects of stress.

Why does this happen? Is it that your kids are slow? Your family wakes up late? You aren't well organized in the morning? Whatever it is, clearly you and your family need to make some changes to your morning routine to help you get to work on time.

First of all, make sure your body is operating at its best. This means you are:

* getting plenty of sleep

* eating healthily

* exercising

When you have gotten into a good routine with your physical well being, you are less likely to feel overwhelming stress. Why? Because your mind and body are better able to deal with difficulties that arise in daily life. Of course they won't be eliminated, but you should notice a shift in your mood and overall functioning. Read more on the benefits of exercise.

The next step is to PLAN - Predict Life's Alternatives Now. Figure out how you're going to reduce your stress ahead of time.

Using the example above, what do you need to do to ensure your family gets out the door on time each morning? Maybe earlier bedtimes for everyone or lunches made the night before. Assessing the situation and then making appropriate changes can decrease your stress.

But what to do when your planning goes out the window? When you're in the car, running late, and the traffic is at a standstill? When you feel the physical effects of stress start to overwhelm you?

When you are in a situation that you CANNOT control, it is best to allow yourself to come to terms with that fact. You will find some relief in allowing yourself to accept that you have done all you can do and that the outcome of the situation is just not going to be as you would wish. Sometimes that happens!

People who want to increase the amount of peace and relaxation in their lives often turn to Yoga, Tai Chi, or meditation. These help focus the mind inward and shut out the noise of the day. It is also a nice way to work some quiet alone time into your day!

The physical effects of stress can be debilitating and wreak havoc on your relationships and personal well being. The good news is that you don't have to be suffocated by stress. You have much more control over what stresses you and how to manage your stress than you realize.

A life coach can help you identify your sources of stress, help you create a plan to reduce them, and help you implement your stress management techniques. Over time you may forget that your physical effects of stress were so bothersome!