Stress Management

"According to research by Janet Rodin, the less perceived control of a situation, the greater the stress. The elderly who lived in nursing homes, were lonely, and had to be fed, dressed, and changed felt significantly more stress and had shorter lifespans than their independent, active counterparts. Females seem to be more susceptible to stress and depression. After experiencing traumatic events, females are twice as likely as men to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, where humans develop maladaptive behaviors such as avoidance, reduced responsiveness, and guilt (Myers, 2004). However, mindful exercise, such as Tai Chi, meditation, and aerobic exercise, decreases stress response and promotes overall well-being (Sandlund and Norlander, 2000). In a University of Wisconsin study, participants who did meditative exercises showed more electrical activity in the left side of the frontal lobe, indicating that they had lower anxiety and a more positive emotional state (Davidson, 2003). Meditation, yoga, and other relaxation exercises also assist in autonomic reflexes. This is called conscious control. Through these practices, it is possible to gain control over the sphincter muscles in the anus and bladder. Yoga has been shown to help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other autonomic functions. These are learned behaviors—they involve the formation of new pathways in the brain. Researchers have also found a correlation between a social support network of close friends and family and fewer physiological stress effects (Brown and Harris, 1978). Stress Inoculation Training and Hardiness Training are cognitive behavioral techniques that work to improve stress resistance through analyzing stressors, teaching coping techniques, and changing behavior so that the patient feels more assertive and in control (Kobasa, 1986). Drugs, such as beta-blockers, which reduce stress arousal, anxiolytic drugs, such as minor tranquilizers, and antidepressant drugs, which treat severe anxiety, can also be used to combat stress."