Reducing Stress
Stress affects all of us and is our way of responding to the demands
placed upon us in our daily lives, and how we cope with change.
Not all stress is bad, but it is ... well, stressful. Stress is
subjective - that is, it affects each person differently. To a certain
extent, stress helps us perform at our best, but when we become
overwhelmed, or when we are stressed for long periods of time, it
takes a toll on us physically and mentally. Eventually we feel that
our mental and physical resources have been exhausted and our neuroendocrine
system is working overtime. We feel fatigued, defeated, disorganized,
"burned out" and depressed.
Stress underlies many physiological symptoms and you may feel stuck
in an endless cycle. Hypnosis can help you break out of the self-defeating
loop you are in and allows you to create new patterns of response
to help you cope with stressful situations.
Many situations can cause stress, especially when we feel they
are beyond our control. I'm sure you have your own list! For more
details, see the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, below.
Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale
This table shows the number of "Life Change Units" over the
course of one year in a person's life. Add them together and your
total score will indicate how stress could be taking a toll on your
health and well-being.
| Life event |
Life change units |
| Death of a spouse |
100 |
| Divorce |
73 |
| Marital separation |
65 |
| Imprisonment |
63 |
| Death of a close family member |
63 |
| Personal injury or illness |
53 |
| Marriage |
50 |
| Dismissal from work |
47 |
| Marital reconciliation |
45 |
| Retirement |
45 |
| Change in health of family member |
44 |
| Pregnancy |
40 |
| Sexual difficulties |
39 |
| Gain a new family member |
39 |
| Business readjustment |
39 |
| Change in financial state |
38 |
| Change in frequency of arguments |
35 |
| Major mortgage |
32 |
| Foreclosure of mortgage or loan |
30 |
| Change in responsibilities at work |
29 |
| Child leaving home |
29 |
| Trouble with in-laws |
29 |
| Outstanding personal achievement |
28 |
| Spouse starts or stops work |
26 |
| Begin or end school |
26 |
| Change in living conditions |
25 |
| Revision of personal habits |
24 |
| Trouble with boss |
23 |
| Change in working hours or conditions |
20 |
| Change in residence |
20 |
| Change in schools |
20 |
| Change in recreation |
19 |
| Change in church activities |
19 |
| Change in social activities |
18 |
| Minor mortgage or loan |
17 |
| Change in sleeping habits |
16 |
| Change in number of family reunions |
15 |
| Change in eating habits |
15 |
| Vacation |
13 |
| Christmas |
12 |
| Minor violation of law |
11 |
If you score more than 300: At risk of illness
If you score 150-299: Moderate risk of illness
If you score less than 150: Slight risk of illness.
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