@fawnmorgan

I’m extremely passionate about what I’m doing, so that definitely reduces my stress. I also try and stay active physically and have at least a few non-screen pastimes, such as snowboarding and hitting the gym a few times a week.

However, nothing helps me blow off steam like firing up the XBox and killing some zombies.

@rich-brooks you cannot beat killing zombies!  The shoot ‘em up games are great for stress release.  It sounds like you have stress management built into your action plan.  Congrats!

@deairby An excellent question! Nagging headaches, fatigue, disinterest and a change in appetite are the most recognized symptoms but there are a couple of things to look for that a lot of people miss.  Anxiety and the inability to cope. 

Anxiety is often shrugged off as fatigue or the need for a zombie killing break.  It is, however, more serious.  Anxiety is a reaction to stress that has been going on for too long.  With anxiety your heart rate becomes elevated and you feel constantly agitated.  Your mind is constantly running and it can be difficult to focus on any one thought or activity.  Your normal stress coping strategies just don’t seem to work and can actually make it worse.  This can set of a downward spiral that can be difficult to stop. 

The inability to cope is also shrugged off as fatigue but is not the same as anxiety.  It is a subtle and often invisable symptom.  Things that didn’t bother you before are beginning to bother you.  You begin to notice those little annoying noises like they have been hooked up to an amplifier.  Your patience seems to be deserting you but you just can’t put your finger on why.  Your conscious mind says you are being ridiculous but deep down it grates on your nerves like fingernails on a chalkboard.  It is very easy to shrug this off as imagination but don’t.  It is very important to address this before it becomes a serious depression problem, 

@fawnmorgan I use my yoga practice as a good stress management reliever. It’s good for my body and my mind.

But, the types of anxiety and long term effects are much more insidious, and usually as you note have been a while in the making. When I see something that erodes my confidence rear its ugly head, I try to be public with my husband or close friend. I want to work thru it before it becomes depression.

But how one goes about stopping true depression without total avoidance is a mystery to me. In my heart, I am enough of an optimist to break out, but I see others who let this erode their sense of self, to the point they no longer believe they have much value.

These are great ideas and I appreciate all the interest.  What I am really looking for are questions.  What are the most often asked questions about stress?  What are the strangest questions about stress that you have been asked?

@stefaniefrank here are a few things that can be done daily to reduce feelings of stress:

• Take some time at the end of the day to mentally process your day.  Some days happen so fast and are so hectic that we do not have time to mentally process what happens.  If we take time everyday to do this we can set down most of our stressors so they don’t build up.
• Focus on your successes.  Somedays life happens despite our calendar, to-do list or plans.  On these days we often think we got nothing done but this is not true.  Did the event or circumstance get addressed?  Are solutions being considered?  Did you get your bed made? These are huge accomplishments.
• Enjoy a hobby.  Something that you find relaxing and will allow you to day dream.  Something that will spark your creativity. 

As for when to look for a stress consultant, if nothing you have tried works start with your doctor.  If it is not a physical condition you can look for a stress coach.  When looking for a stress coach you should NOT feel stressed listening to them.  Stress management should contain elements of stress education, mental focus, humor, fun and a feeling of peace at the end of each day when successfully implemented.  If working with a stress management coach is stressing you out, you have the wrong coach for you.