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Q  
"I have experienced a great deal of challenges over the past few months. My friend asked me how I am coping with the stress. How should I be helping myself cope?"

A 
Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. However, not all stress is negative. In fact, stress can be positive by keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger.

Stress becomes negative when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between challenges. Events such as loss of a loved one, relocating oneself, and undergoing a new health treatment, provide significant change in one's life and can result in negative stress if not handled properly. Stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress -- a negative stress reaction. Distress can disturb the body's internal balance or equilibrium -- leading to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and problems sleeping. Research suggests that stress also can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases.

You can start the process of reducing your stress by making a commitment to keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself. It is important to accept that there are events you cannot control. Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. If one of your recent challenges is adjusting to a new living environment set a practical goal of meeting a new person each day or week, rather than trying to meet everyone at once. By learning to relax and eating well-balanced meals, you will find yourself on the road to reducing your stress and settling in for a good night sleep.

St. Andrew's At-Home Services helps to serve the needs of older adults and their families in the comfort of their home, including housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation, personal care, nursing services and companionship. 

For more information, please call (314) 726-5766

St. Andrew's Resources for Seniors: Eldercare & Caregiver Resource Center
6633 Delmar Blvd.  St. Louis, MO  63130  Phone: 314-726-5766   Fax: 314-726-5719  Contact Us

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