Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - North Mississippi - (Page 32)

EAT: Don’t ‘Stress Snack’ “We live in a fairly toxic food environment,” Dorlen says. “When in a high-stress position, we may not actually think and just grab something.” She compares it to an impulse disorder, such as smoking. “It’s just automatic.” Dorlen says the key to stop stress-eating is to become more aware. Intervene on your impulse. Stop for a second and ask yourself, “Am I really hungry? Or is something else going on?” Sometimes you can abate hunger by slowly drinking a glass of water before making a food decision. Sawyer seconds this idea. “I try to drink a ton of water. And here’s my tip: Cut up slices of lime and put them into your ice cube tray, then drop lime ice cubes in your water. It makes it so much better than plain water,” she told Good Housekeeping magazine. CHOOSE: Is the Stress Worth It? When to Ask for Help nearly a quarter of americans reported high levels of daily stress (a rating of 8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale), according to the 2009 stress survey by the american Psychological association (aPa). One of the major causes of stress named on this survey was work—68 percent of women and 69 percent of men surveyed named it a “significant source of stress.” still, says sandra Holmes, Ph.D., coordinator of north mississippi medical Center’s employee assistance Program, a stressful job is subjective. “People who are perfectionists may view their job as more stressful,” she says. the way to gauge if you’re overloaded with stress is to view how you’re handling the rest of your life. “If your health is good and your relationships are good and you’re happy in general, then it might not be too stressful [of a job] for you.” some indicators that it might be time to ask for help include: • Feeling as if you’re trapped or there’s nowhere to turn • Worrying excessively or not being able to concentrate • noticing that stress is affecting your sleep, your eating habits, your job, your relationships or your everyday life A sleep-deprived Sawyer landed in Haiti after a major earthquake struck in January. It was a scene that could just about crush anyone’s soul, but Sawyer explains what kept her going. “It is just a [burst] of energy from what people need to know about the sheer moment-by-moment courage of [the Haitian] people in the middle of this impossible devastation,” she told The Oprah Show. Some people thrive in high-stress positions because not all stress is bad, Dorlen explains. “Actually, stress can really optimize functioning. The goal is not to avoid all stress. First off, it’s not possible. Secondly, there might not be excitement, challenge.” But if you’re so anxious about work that you’re frightened or you have pain in your chest, then it’s time to rethink your routine. If a job change isn’t possible, you’ll need to manage stress where you are. Dorlen recommends literally getting away from your stressful moments daily. “Walk away from the situation. Walk around the block. Sit on a park bench. Dispel your stress.” Talking it out can help, too. “Sharing your stress with someone else is healthy. Find people in an allied field where you can share your problems.” And counteract a stressful job by finding moments of happiness outside your workweek. When is Sawyer the happiest? “Saturday morning with my husband,” Sawyer told Capitol File. “The spontaneous call to friends who wander in—somebody’s cooked something, somebody brings a child.” assessment Take a moment to consider the stresses in your life. Then, visit www.nmhs.net/ behavioral_signs_symptoms.php and click “Signs and Symptoms” to learn what you can do. How Stressed Are You? Take a Quick Assessment 32 Vim & Vigor · W IN TER 2 010 http://www.nmhs.net/behavioral_signs_symptoms.php http://www.nmhs.net/behavioral_signs_symptoms.php

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - North Mississippi
Table of Contents
Opening Thoughts
Lives Renewed
Hands-On Approach
Smart Moves
Miss Information
Stroke Sense
Gut Feelings
On the Cover - The Story on Stress
The Faces of Skin Cancer
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
A Natural Dilemma
17 Reasons to Work in Healthcare
Aerobics Roundup
Make a Splash
It’s a Great Place to Work
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - North Mississippi

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2016spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport_2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport_2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2010winter-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2010fall-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2010summer-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/nmmc_communityreport09
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2010spring-nm
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2009winter-nm
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com