Welcome to Exan's Wellness and Life Skills Program

Conquering Stress

Stress can flare up anywhere -- at home, on the road, at the checkout counter and, especially, at work. In our day-to-day jobs, the combination of deadlines, responsibilities, and relationships can often push our internal resources to the breaking point.

The good news is that the effect that stress has is determined not so much by what happens to us as by the way we react to it. If we can learn to adapt, we'll become healthier, stronger, and more psychologically resilient people.

The Anatomy of Stress

When any stressor (even a positive one, such as a job promotion) overloads our adaptive ability, our adrenal glands release hormones that guide our body's reaction. The result is what's known as the "fight-or-flight" response.

Whether we choose to fight (react aggressively) or flee (withdraw), being constantly in one of these two modes overloads our body with cortisol. An excess of this stress hormone results in numerous symptoms, which, if not treated, can lead to more serious chronic disease states.

Health problems linked to stress include diabetes, weight gain, infertility, chronic fatigue, bone loss, high triglyceride levels and heart disease. Other studies have suggested that some cancers, memory loss and sleep deprivation may also be associated with increased cortisol levels.

Smart Stress Strategies

Conquering stress is easier said than done. But if you're serious about health and want to live long and enjoy life, make it your goal to grow stronger from stress. Here are some steps that will help you improve your coping skills and put stress in its rightful place.

  • Write down all the things that you feel are causing you stress.
  • Determine which stressors are self-inflicted and which are not under your control. Have the serenity to accept the things you can't change and the courage to change the things you can.
  • Ask a good friend if they will listen empathetically as you express your fear, anger, or sadness. Welcome and learn to listen to feedback and advice.
  • Commit to becoming aware of and stopping self-sabotaging behavior.
  • Begin working through a process of forgiving those who have hurt you. The inability to forgive is by far people's greatest stressor.
  • Discover the three greatest stress relievers: laughing, exercising, and crying.
  • Take the multimedia "Reduce Stress Workshop." You can find it under the "Mental/Emotional Health" section of your wellness portal, along with other informative articles on stress reduction.
  • If you're struggling to implement one or more of these initiatives, seek personalized help under the menu "Health Support" or contact your EAP.