Try This Stress Test
Add your score up (you'll fine the number next to the question) adn then see what your stress level is and what you can do about it
0 to 15 = Mild Stress Congratulations- your body handles stress well! TO keep it that way, try our level 1 stressbusters.
16 to 55 = Stress is taking its toll. In addition to our level 1 stress busters, try level 2 first-aid tips.
56 to 82 = Recognizing you’re under to much stress is half the cure. Start by seeing you doctor- you might be one of the 23 million Americans suffering from treatable anxiety disorders. Then combine out level 3 emergancy antidotes with out levels 1 and 2 stress cures.
Choose real chamomile “Chamomile contains the anti-anxiety agent apigen, which binds to receptors in the brain,” explains Harold H. Bloomfield, MD. “But chamomile tea has only 10% of the apigenin found in the plant itself.” So use a standardized chamomile extract containing 1.2% apigenin, following the package directions for dosage.
Cut out stimulants Caffeine, diet pills, some antihistamines and maney perscription drugs, including Prozac and Wellbutrin, can often over stimulate and already frazled nervous system. Try to cut back on caffinated coffee, tea and soda. Also, check with your pharmacist to see if your medications could possably be revving up your nervs.
Walk it off “Daily brisk walks lower the production of stress hormones and increase your brian’s stress-easing chemicals, endorphins,” says Redford Williams, MD, of Duke University.
Count carbs Most simple carbs-like cookies, crackers, ice cream and white bread- do more than make you groggy. They also make your blood sugar shoot up and down, signaling the adrenal glands to produce more stress hormones. But when women cut down to 40g of carbohydrates a day, stress, tension and migrains often vanish.
LEVEL 3Kick the habit. the easier way. Nicotine is one of the most powerful nervious-system stimulants. “Many people say they smoke to help cope with stress, yet smoking actually causes maney of their stress symptoms,” says Dr. Corboy. If the thought of quitting makes you cringe, try the recently approved prescription drug Zyban. While 36% of women can quit using nicotine patches alone, a whopping 58% can quit if they use the patch in conjuction with Zyben.
Fudge you deadlines “Most of us take on more than we can manage in a given amount of time,” says Dr. Williams, auther of Lifeskills. “So when things don’t go smoothly, we wind up struggling under incredible time pressures.” In the future, try to allow your self 20% more time than you think you’ll need. You’ll either finish on time- or have time to spare!
Treat your feet Reflexology, unlike a simple foot massage, targets specific nerve endings that relax the central vervous system. In one studdy it cut stress symptoms- including stomach upsets, headaches, muscle aches and PMS- for more than 50% of women, Ther are dozens of athome guides available, but for level 3 stress, it’s best to consult a certified reflexologist.
Take the kava cure A nightly 150mg capsule of the herb kava abolishes nervousness, anxiety and insomnia for over 50% of highly stressed women. Kava can be used safely for up to 25 weeks straight, but avoid it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and don’t combine it with anri-depressants, alcohol, sleeping pills or any other tranquilizers.
