The Pinecone
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July 2014 • 5 •
As we age, how we look at our stress levels change. Not
only does our stress level change, but what we classify as a
stressor also changes. Our normal stresses shift from work,
deadlines and running errands to worry and frustration with
changes that you can sometimes no longer control; such as
health related conditions you or a loved one may have, and
worry about your financial future and plans for the future.
Stress is the body’s response to a perceived threat to help
aid in physical and mental stamina and abilities in order to
overcome the situation. Many define stress as a “state of
mental or emotional strain or suspense.” Stress is a part of
everyday living; there can be positive and negative stressors
in our lives.
An example of a positive stressor could be moving into a new community
or home closer to family and friends. Negative stressors could be dealing with
health-related conditions affecting either you or a loved one. Anything that cre
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ates a high demand of pressure on you and forces you to adjust can be consid
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ered a stressor. Stresses aren’t always placed on us from the outside; sometimes
we create our own stressors in life. These include excessive worrying, the in
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ability to adjust with daily changes and lack of flexibility.
Managi ng & Deal i ng
wi th
STRESS
Common effects of stress can influence your physical be
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ing, your mood and your behavior. Physical effects of stress
on your body can include headache, muscle pain, fatigue,
upset stomach, and sleeping problems. Stress can impact
your mood by causing sadness, restlessness, lack of moti
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vation, impaired focus, irritability or anger. Finally, stress
can affect behavior, such as over-eating or under-eating,
outbursts of anger, drug or alcohol abuse, and social with
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drawal.
Stress and how it affects you is based upon how YOU
decide to cope and manage with your everyday stressors.
Come join us on July 21st at 9:45 am in the Performing Arts
Center to learn more about stress and ways to manage and
cope with changes.
