STRESS: IT'S A FACT OF LIFE: We are a stressed out nation! Almost a third of Americans say they feel extreme stress, according to a survey from the American Psychological Association. While most (82 percent) report they manage their stress well, they admitted it impacted their physical and mental health as well as their relationships and work life. More than three out of four respondents to the survey say they suffered physical problems from stress, including fatigue, headaches, upset stomach, muscle tension, appetite changes, teeth grinding, change in sex drive and dizziness. So what's the culprit of our anxiety? Work (74 percent), money (73 percent) and children (64 percent) are at the top of the list.
The physiological affects of stress are undeniable. Those who put in long hours at the office have a greater risk of developing dementia, reports the American Journal of Epidemiology. In a study, middle-aged workers who worked 55 hours or more had reduced mental skills, short-term memory and the ability to recall words, compared to those who worked 40 hours or less. Seventy-five to ninety percent of all doctor visits are also related to stress-related disorders. Stress has been linked to cancer, diabetes, immune system deficiency, alcohol abuse, and cardiovascular disease.
ACTIVITIES TO RELIEVE YOUR STRESS: With our lifestyles causing us to become bundles of tension, it's important to take time everyday to unwind. Here are some stress-reliever activities:
- Gardening: You won't just be creating a beautiful environment by planting and tending, you'll also be getting sunlight, which boosts vitamin D levels and has also been shown to improve your mood.
- Doing puzzles: Puzzles will stimulate your mind and distract you from stressors. It will also give you a mental boost at the same time.
- Playing a musical instrument: Whether it's the soft and smooth sound of the piano, or light and airy noise of the flute, playing an instrument can make you feel more relaxed and calm your mind.
- Jotting it down: Writing down your thoughts in a journal is a proven way to manage stress. It's almost as if you're opening up to your own, personal psychiatrist.
- Exercising: Exercise and stress management go hand in hand. Getting up and moving around will boost your endorphins and also help you get in better shape.
ADULTS AT PLAY: Another stress buster, experts say, is playtime. Adults across the nation are heading back to their childhood days, participating in recess-centered workout programs. Old School PE (http://www.oldschoolpe.com) centers across the country engage adults in sack races, kickball and tug-o-war contests. Urban Recess (urbanrecess.com) in Portland, Oregon, offers eight-week programs that include double dutch, relay races and even duck-duck-goose.
If you would like more information, please contact:
National Institute for Play, http://www.nifplay.org
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