Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Learn From Stress Awareness Month This April

Meet SFC Boe, a therapeutic stress dog who served in Iraq
 
   


April has hosted Stress Awareness Month since 1992. Sponsored by The Health Resource Network (HRN), its purpose is to educate citizens about causes and effects of stress as well as cures. Discussions, public forums and a variety of community events create a platform for people from all walks of life to share and learn.

Who Suffers from Stress?
Stress does not discriminate between age groups or social status. In the United States, it affects millions every year. Caregivers and senior citizens are candidates along with soldiers, students, and executives. 

How Caregivers can Spot Signs of Stress
Caregivers often have to read between the lines to detect problems with the ones they care for. Signs of stress exhibited by the elderly include:
·         Lack of concentration.
·         Listlessness.
·         Problems sleeping.
·         Mood swings (crankiness, sadness).
·         Sudden change in eating habits.

Stress Management Tips
Exercise:
Manage stress with exercise. It causes the brain to release endorphins that create a positive feeling. Caregivers can loosen stiff muscles by standing and stretching every hour or so and by swinging their legs when seated at a table or desk.
Keep upper and lower body muscles active with easy-to-do exercises for seniors confined to a chair or encountering difficulty with balance:
·         Tap the toes of the right foot twice. Then tap the toes on the left foot. Repeat five times.
·         Roll the shoulders backwards three or more times.
Activities:
Focus on daily positive events like good weather and plans that go right. Encourage the person you care for to visit with friends. Even sharing a post or eCard on social media brings positive communication and happiness to relieve stress. 

Stress is a killer that finds easy victims when we fail to recognize the warning that we need a mental or physical break.

My blog is the best weapon I have for fighting stress. What are some of the things that help you, your family, and friends?
 

15 comments:

  1. I eat when I'm stressed and I have been stressed out a lot lately unfortunately. I need to get it under control.

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  2. Stress is a difficult thing to see as everyone handles it differently, but I agree it is important to manage it and find ways to cope with it.

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  3. I always keep a furry pet in the house - that;s my biggest stress buster. Even when they are at the vet, the house feels different.

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  4. One of my best weapons for fighting stress is my family. There's nothing like a good family movie night to ease the tension of the week.

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  5. I find that getting into the Word helps me get rid of stress. My faith is very important to me, and being in it is a great help.

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  6. Stress seems to have so many negative effects. I do find that when I have a regular exercise schedule my stress goes way down.

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  7. Stress has so many negative effects on people. I find that having some quiet time - even just 5 minutes a day helps me to center myself. I like looking at things in pieces rather than the whole - helps me to be less stressed.

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  8. We are all definitely affected by stress at some time or another! It can be really harmful to our health if we don't figure out what helps us get it under control. I like taking walks to help my stress.

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  9. Stress can happen to many . Getting outside when possibkle is a good idea.

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  10. I bite my nails when I'm stressed - even if I recently had a manicure. I hate it and it's gross. I need to find better ways to cope.

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  11. I definitely felt better last week when I hit the gym. I feel off for a few days, but I hope to get back on track.

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  12. I like to have a nice long hot bath when i am stressed. Exercise is a great stress reliever as well.

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  13. the gym does it for me. I'm all about a good workout. Thanks for the info

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  14. Stress is a serious problem in this country. Do you know that modern indigenous people have no idea what stress is because of the simplistic lives they live? We have to all learn to stop worrying about jobs, bills and even turn off the news and do some positive relaxing things to destress!

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  15. I am a caregiver to an adult family member, pretty much lifelong and it is certainly stressful and exhausting!

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