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The Stress Response
If we decide
that a situation is stressful, we put into play the body's "fight
or flight" reaction, causing the release of adrenalin, a natural
body chemical. This starts the first stage of the stress response.
We each have
a particular way of responding to stress. Some of us have physical
signs such as muscle tension and difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
Others may have more emotional reactions, such as outbursts of crying
or anger. Understanding your response to stressful situations is
one of the first steps in developing your ability to lower your
stress levels.
Knowing what
you do when you are under stress is the first step. To cope with
stress, you need to know when it is happening. These signs of stress
can give you clues you can use to change your response to stress.
The next time you feel that you are getting "stressed", take the
time to check your body, your emotions and your behaviour. If you
recognize some of your usual signs of stress, then you have a clue
that you need to do something to cope.
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