INTRODUCTION TO RELIEVING STRESS & ANXIETY

In today’s fast paced world stress are common. The statistics are revealing: at $160 billion a year, stress related problems constitute the number one health cost. The average North American loses 16 working days a year due to stress, and “gradual mental stress” accounts for 11% of worker compensation claims. Although chronic stress can contribute to other medical problems, for most people it merely makes getting through the day more difficult. Many do not seek help; they simply weather the storms and carry on.

The good news is that stress can be prevented.

Stress is created by changes and challenges in life, and it is not always a bad thing. In fact, we cannot live without it; the right amounts of stress can help us perform better. Extreme changes, such as a death in the family, can bring on intense feelings of stress, and adjustment and adaptation becomes difficult.

There’s a fine line between stress that is normal and stimulating, and the kind that leads to health problems. In order to handle stress it’s important to recognize the situations in your life that are causing problems, adjust your attitude towards a more positive outlook, and learn coping mechanisms like time management and assertiveness.

The good news is that stress for the most part is not regarded as a mental illness requiring medication. Anxiety, on the other hand, can be a chronic situation where you may not know why you are anxious which may require medication from your physician. It is important to know this difference.

This book is aimed at those of you who are experiencing stress that is interfering with your quality of life. Its purpose is to help you attain a more enlightened outlook on stress and anxiety. It is not meant as a substitute for your physician’s advice or treatment. Consider it an adjunct to your health care regimen, a common sense manual of self-assessment techniques that will help you understand yourself better and help you cope with the challenges of everyday life.