2013-04-16 10:05:26 +02:00

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financialservices
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aviva-medical-insurance
7801073
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# Stress and anxiety: how to cope
## When you're worried, when you're under pressure - we call it stress. It's
usually associated with the physical or mental side-effects of busy lives, and
too much to worry about. But the truth is, a little bit of pressure can be
good for us - it keep us motivated, on our toes, and makes us work harder.
![Laughter is a great stress buster. ][1]
Laughter is a great stress buster.
4:59PM BST 03 Jun 2010
**Stress and why it is bad for you**
The problem is, that too much pressure can lead to excessive worry. When that
happens, the body generates chemicals called cortisol, adrenaline and
noradrenaline, which can build up over time. Too much adrenaline and
noradrenaline will raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and make you
sweat more. Too much cortisol prevents the immune system from functioning
properly, and releases fat and sugar into your bloodstream.
**Stress symptoms**
We all worry in different ways. But whatever the cause of our concerns - such
as exams, divorce, marriage or moving house; planning a holiday, other
problems with health or concerns at work - we need to recognise that
pressure's building up.
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To reduce the effects of worry, we need to recognise we're suffering from it.
These are some of the most common symptoms:
• Being more irritable than usual
• Over-reacting to criticism
• Feeling as though you 'don't know where to start'
• Experiencing guilt if you're relaxing, and not always 'on the go'
• Having trouble getting to sleep, or waking up early
• Drinking and smoking more than usual
• Finding it hard to concentrate
• Struggling to make decisions, where this was once simple
• Suffering from indigestion, loss of appetite, or 'comfort' eating
• Nail-biting or increased compulsive activities
• Finding 'tense' sensations in your body, the neck particularly
**Stress management**
We need to find the causes and deal with them - but that's not always easy, or
practical. You should always see your GP if you think you're experiencing
worries that are a real cause for physical or mental concern. But you can help
reduce the worry you're experiencing, by making simple lifestyle changes.
• Do one thing at a time - don't be afraid to say 'no' when demands are placed
on you, and walk away from stressful situations.
• Talk to someone - spend time with people who are positive and rewarding in
their comments, rather than critical.
• Accept offers of practical help - and know your own limits. Try not too be
too competitive or expect too much of yourself.
• Let off steam safely - shout, scream, or even hit a pillow.
• Use relaxation techniques - yoga or meditation classes are ideal, and
practise slow breathing using the lower part of your lungs.
• Be more physically active - gentle cycling, brisk walking or swimming will
help you sleep better.
• Make time to socialise with friends - and also make time for yourself.
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## [Medical Insurance with Aviva][13]
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## [Private medical Insurance »][19]
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### [Health Insurance Company of the Year 2010][13]
[![][22]][13]
### [How to stop smoking - medical insurance from Telegraph][5]
[![Replacing cigarettes with healthy snacks can help you to quit smoking.
][23] ][5]
It's hard to give up cigarettes because the sensations caused by nicotine are
addictive. The good news is that, if you want to kick the habit, there's
plenty of help on offer.
### [Coping with stress][24]
[![Laughter is a great stress buster. ][25] ][24]
When you're worried, when you're under pressure - we call it stress. It's
usually associated with the physical or mental side-effects of busy lives, and
too much to worry about. But the truth is, a little bit of pressure can be
good for us - it keep us motivated, on our toes, and makes us work harder.
[EDITOR'S CHOICE »][26]
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[![Gil Scott-Heron][28]][27]
Composer, musician, poet and author whose writing provided a vivid commentary
on the black American experience.
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### [Spectacular light show dazzles Sydney][30]
### [WS Gilbert: a knight for our times][31]
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stress_1649933c.jpg
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[4]: /financialservices/insurance/aviva-medical-insurance/7800995/Staying-
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pressure-readings-medical-insurance-from-Telegraph.html
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[25]: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01649/aviva-
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[26]: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/editors-choice/
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