#66 – March 2009
Thursday 10:00 - 9:00 | Friday 10:000 - 6:00 | Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 | Sunday 2:00 - 5:00
Managing and Reducing Stress
Chronic stress has been found to be a major health issue among Canadians, and with the recent economic downturn, it’s almost certain to become a greater health concern – as studies have shown that finances are a prime cause of adult stress.
Ongoing stress can damage the human immune, digestive and cardiovascular systems – so it’s in our best interests to reduce stress, and to manage what stress we can’t eliminate – as much as possible.
The web sites listed below address stress and relaxation:
Coping with Unemployment – the Canadian Mental Health Association
Unemployment is more than a financial blow and a disruption in one’s daily routine – it’s often a major blow to one’s self-esteem and emotional well-being as well. What are some practical coping techniques? The CMHA offers some suggestions (one of which is to read some books on stress management techniques).
(** The Stratford Public Library offers a variety of books, online audio books, books on CD and DVD’s on the subjects of stress and relaxation. As well, SPL has many print and online resources concerning resumes, cover letters and employment.)
Dealing with Stress – the Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Health Clinic web site provides basic information about stress – its causes and symptoms – as well as some self-help techniques (eg. relaxation and exercise).
Stress – The Canadian Mental Health Association
How do you determine what is “good” stress and what is “bad” stress? How does the human body respond to stress, and what are some techniques for dealing with bad stress? The CMHA has some answers, and also offers information about emotional wellness, life/work balance, and the effects that aging can have on mental health.
Medline Plus - Stress
Links to a wide variety of online resources about stress are provided by Medline Plus on this comprehensive web site – for example: coping with stress, the latest news and research about stress, childhood stress, stress at work, stress and aging, and more.
For Teens – Dealing with Stress and Crisis
Mindyourmind.ca is an award-winning web site created by youth for youth, addressing stress, crisis, relationships and mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder. The web site offers information, a blog, an online newsletter, videos, personal stories of others including celebrities, and links to sources for help.
The Importance of Sleep – American Psychological Association
Why is sleep so important, and what happens when you don’t get enough sleep? How can you combat insomnia, and what are the signs of excessive sleepiness? And how much sleep is “enough sleep”? Visit the APA web site for answers, as well as for information on the subjects of stress, anxiety, emotional health, and other mental health topics.
More about Sleep
Find out more about how sleep improves one’s mood and boosts the immune system, from the National Sleep Foundation of America. This web site addresses the relationship between pain, snoring and other medical conditions, and sleep. Various other relevant issues are also explored. (The National Sleep Foundation has designated March 1 to 8 2009 as “National Sleep Awareness Week”.)
Aerobic Exercise – the Mayo Clinic
Aerobic exercise offers many health benefits – and one of them is reducing tension and stress, while boosting your mood and in the end, helping your body to relax. Aerobic exercise can be as easy as 30 minutes per day of walking, bicycling or swimming. Many links to further related information are provided here.
The Link between Nutrition and Stress – UWO Nutrition Information Services
Did you know that healthy eating habits affect your body’s responses to stress? It’s true! If your diet is lacking in certain vitamins (eg. Vitamin C and the B Vitamins), then your body is less equipped to fight the effects of stress. This online resource from the University of Western Ontario will provide more information.