STRESS!

I have the absolute privilege to work with people from a variety of backgrounds.  In our conversations together, the prevailing subject is the challenge of stress in their life.

Stress is defined as a feeling of emotional and physical tension.  In prehistoric times, physical changes in response to stress were an essential adaptation for facing various threats that occurred. Today, stress can be a critical asset for elevating levels of performance in the area of sports, business, or even protection during an actual crisis.

Chronic stress, however, can produce serious physical or psychological damage over time.  The statistics on stress reveal some shocking insights.  Recent studies indicate that stress costs American companies $300 billion annually from absenteeism, lost productivity, and health insurance claims.  Sixty-six percent of Americans say they are likely to seek help for stress related issues at some point in their life.  Three out of five visits to the physician’s office are stress related. A stressed out employee will incur health care costs that are on the average of forty-six percent more than an employee who is not suffering from stress.  Sixty-two percent of Americans claim that work is the main cause of stress in their life.  Stress is also linked to heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide…the six leading causes of death in the United States.

While we can acknowledge that stress cannot be completely eliminated in our lives, the good news is that we can make healthy choices to reduce it.  The first step is to make a conscious effort to develop a positive attitude in your life.  Gratitude is a powerful vehicle for reminding ourselves to learn to want what we have in our life. Invest in your support network by spending quality time enjoying your family and friends.  Focus on your physical well-being with a strategy of exercise and healthy nutrition.  Learn to relax by developing a hobby that provides rejuvenation, and fun!  Finally, make the commitment to discover your gifts and true life purpose. This is essential for a life that was created to have joy and fulfillment!

Don Wood   
Heart Coach