Stress is a part of our everyday lives. We already know this so why do we need a test to tell us so? Stress tests are more than a litmus test for determining if you have stress. They evaluate the body’s responses to stress. In other words, they tell you how your body is dealing with stress.
We all experience stress in some way. How do we respond to it? Some people cry, shout, scream, or just give in to the situation. There are many ways to view a stressful situation, but unfortunately they are not all good responses.
When our stress is bad enough or consistent enough, it affects our bodies in negative ways. We don’t always pay attention to what our bodies are saying to us. It’s like our heads know better than the rest of us so we just keep pushing on until our bodies have had enough and begin to retaliate.
The point of stress tests is to find out how our bodies feel before they go postal on us. Since we won’t listen, the doctors and clinical psychologists will. There are a variety of stress tests that people can take part in to determine how their body handles the stressors around them. The results of these tests can then assist in helping to deal with them in more positive ways for both our bodies and our minds.
Physical Stress Tests
These are the most common stress tests. Most involve the affects of stress on our hearts. Let’s face it. If the heart isn’t happy, we won’t be long for this world. The heart pumps blood throughout the entire body and to the lungs where our bodies exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen.
During a stress test, the participant walks on a treadmill or, in some cases, rides a stationary bike. During the test, a clinician monitors heart rate and blood pressure. This exercise stress test can indicate if you have problems with your heart that can be caused by stressful situations. People who learn how to manage their stress will usually perform better than those who have no outlet.
Other Stress Tests
Another physical stress test is the Thallium test. This involves injecting the patient with radioactive isotopes of thallium to test for blockages in the blood vessels of the heart.
A Barium test is performed to evaluate stress on the digestive system. When we are under stress, the stomach empties slowly but the colon empties faster than normal. Conducting a barium test over time will show how the digestive system is being affected by stressful situations in your life.
Mental stress tests are conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Through a series of pointed questions and responses to photographs, it is determined what type of personality you have. Based on that, your profile will determine if you are more or less prone to stress and how to manage it.
Stress tests are one way to determining if stress is negatively affecting your life. Some people don’t even know that their bodies are suffering under the weight of stress until something catastrophic happens. Avoid unnecessary pain with a stress test.
Showing posts with label avoid stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label avoid stress. Show all posts
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
5 Tips for Handling Conflict
If you live long enough you will experience conflict. The chance that everyone will like us or get along with us is very minimal. Inevitably we will disagree with someone. When this happens, handling the conflict with a level head avoids stress and keeps the chance of the conflict escalating less likely.
Handling conflict does not have to be confrontational in the classic sense. When someone mentions an altercation we think of the showdown at the OK Corral. Coming into the meeting ready to fight is not the best way to handle a conflict.
Conflicts can occur at any time. You could be in a grocery store and the cashier may act rude as they ring up your groceries. We’ve all had that happen at least once, right? The first reaction is to slam the money on the counter or to snap back at them. In that instant we have taken their problems as our own and created a stressful situation that changes the tone of the rest of our day.
Here are five tips for handling conflict. They work for coworkers, family members, friends, and even strangers. You never know when the proper response to a conflict could save your life or someone else’s.
1. Think about the situation. We are quick to respond when someone says what we don’t like. Take the time to breathe before responding. In that breath replay the words spoken.
2. Make the hard decision. In many cases, the conflict that arises is not the first of its kind. Harsh or offensive words or deeds could be a recurring theme in the relationship. Decide if this affiliation is worth saving or if it is time to cut the person loose. Leaving the association could result in a lost friendship, a divorce, or changing jobs. Sometimes, for our own sake, these things are better in the long run than staying in a bad relationship.
3. Wait a day. Don’t respond right then. Give yourself time to talk over the situation with a trusted friend. Maybe you overreacted. Sometimes, a third party can see something that you missed in the heat of your anger. In these cases, apologize where necessary. If the consensus is that you were wronged, then bring the matter to the attention of the other person with a level head not a hot one.
4. Find a solution. A common conflict, especially among spouses could result from wanting to make a purchase that there isn’t enough money for. Instead of brooding, come up with favorable solutions that could get you what you want or need. Get a second job to earn the money.
5. Apologize if you were in the wrong. Just because something is true doesn’t mean that it has to be said. Telling someone that they are wearing a dress that is too small for them is not a positive way to help them lose weight. Understand how it could be offensive to them and apologize. Better yet, stop and think before you respond in situations such as these. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes before hand. Part of resolving conflicts is realizing our role in it.Facing confrontational situations is not easy. But, it is not inevitable and sometimes it has to be done. Learning conflict resolution techniques can alleviate the stress of these situations.
Handling conflict does not have to be confrontational in the classic sense. When someone mentions an altercation we think of the showdown at the OK Corral. Coming into the meeting ready to fight is not the best way to handle a conflict.
Conflicts can occur at any time. You could be in a grocery store and the cashier may act rude as they ring up your groceries. We’ve all had that happen at least once, right? The first reaction is to slam the money on the counter or to snap back at them. In that instant we have taken their problems as our own and created a stressful situation that changes the tone of the rest of our day.
Here are five tips for handling conflict. They work for coworkers, family members, friends, and even strangers. You never know when the proper response to a conflict could save your life or someone else’s.
1. Think about the situation. We are quick to respond when someone says what we don’t like. Take the time to breathe before responding. In that breath replay the words spoken.
2. Make the hard decision. In many cases, the conflict that arises is not the first of its kind. Harsh or offensive words or deeds could be a recurring theme in the relationship. Decide if this affiliation is worth saving or if it is time to cut the person loose. Leaving the association could result in a lost friendship, a divorce, or changing jobs. Sometimes, for our own sake, these things are better in the long run than staying in a bad relationship.
3. Wait a day. Don’t respond right then. Give yourself time to talk over the situation with a trusted friend. Maybe you overreacted. Sometimes, a third party can see something that you missed in the heat of your anger. In these cases, apologize where necessary. If the consensus is that you were wronged, then bring the matter to the attention of the other person with a level head not a hot one.
4. Find a solution. A common conflict, especially among spouses could result from wanting to make a purchase that there isn’t enough money for. Instead of brooding, come up with favorable solutions that could get you what you want or need. Get a second job to earn the money.
5. Apologize if you were in the wrong. Just because something is true doesn’t mean that it has to be said. Telling someone that they are wearing a dress that is too small for them is not a positive way to help them lose weight. Understand how it could be offensive to them and apologize. Better yet, stop and think before you respond in situations such as these. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes before hand. Part of resolving conflicts is realizing our role in it.Facing confrontational situations is not easy. But, it is not inevitable and sometimes it has to be done. Learning conflict resolution techniques can alleviate the stress of these situations.
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