Stress has always been a big part of our lives. It is becoming an all to common occurrence to hear someone complaining about how stressful his or her life has become in school, work or family. This situation happens no matter what race, nationality, education or whatever status obtained in life. The stress and tension is there no matter where you go, and you cannot just disregard this truth.
The main thing to remember in whatever we choose to do is there are some inevitable factors that will cause pressure and anxiety in our lives. What we need to focus on are the ones that we can control. So after you learn the difference between the ones that you can control and the ones you have no control over you can focus your time, energy and money in the direction of the ones you can influence.
The list below will give you some advice on handling the everyday tension caused by stress.
1. Identify what it is that is making you anxious and uneasy. Make a list of all the things that cause you a stressful experience. Deal immediately with the ones that you can change, like getting to work earlier or changing the way you handle work projects. Then just forget about the ones that you cannot help, like traffic or parking spaces or the ones that are just part of life.
2. Calm down and get away for a few minutes. A few-minutes break will do you good. You can go to the bathroom wash your face and just start over with a new attitude. Go reward yourself with a vending snack or early lunch if your work permits it. Find some relaxing music on your PC to listen to while you work, anything that will give your mind a chance to relax will work.
3. It will be over before you know it. Do not fall into a trap of being the only one who is constantly reliving the event and causing yourself more stress then is needed. Know that it will pass and it will be over. Think of a good thing to do that will make you feel better about yourself.
4. Always look for the cause and triggers. Every time one happens, write it down and start to look for that common pattern. If most are work related, it might be time to find a new job or start your own business. If you have vacation or sick time coming remember to take it; nothing like a day or two off to clear the mind. Keep looking at the list and start to solve the ones you have control of.
In the end there are only two choices, make a change to help with the problem or accept it and move on with your life.
Virtually any type of headache can be triggered or made worse by stress and tension but there is a specific headache known as a tension headache. Despite tension headaches being very common there is still much unknown regarding the exact causes, but like most headaches, they are commonly aggravated by stress.
How to Detect A Headache Caused by Stress and Tension
A tension headache can be fairly short, lasting half an hour or as long as a week. They may begin gradually and peak during the day. Chronic tension headaches occur daily for half of a month or more and may remain for many years. The pain of a tension headache is not typically like the throbbing pain of a migraine. It tends to be duller and is often described as an 'ache' or a tight, pulling feeling at the sides and back area of the head.
The pain may also extend down your neck and to your shoulders. It is generally not a severe pain and may be mild enough that it's an inconvenience but you are still able to function. Other times, a tension headache may be more painful and the intensity of it can vary from one headache to another. It is commonly found to begin following specific stresses or challenges an individual may be facing. Stress and tension headaches can involve the contraction and tightening of muscles in the neck, head, and around the back and spine.
Some of the other symptoms that may also occur are:
* Fatigue * Sleep disturbances * Problems with focus and concentration * Pain around the neck and spine * Irritability * Muscle aches
Why Do I Get Tension Headaches? It's not known for certain exactly what causes tension headaches, but stress is commonly indicated as a preceding factor. Sources of stress may involve work as well as your partner, friends, or family. If a specific stressful event has occurred or continues to occur, headaches may be present for a prolonged period of time. Your doctor can help to determine what is causing your headaches. If your headache is caused by stress or tension, the initial aim may be to try to remove the source of stress or find ways to cope with it.
Is There Treatment Available?
Handling a tension headache will probably require a multifaceted approach. After speaking with your doctor, it may be that you will receive a combined prescription drug approach with alternative treatments such as meditation and lifestyle alterations to address any stress that is causing or contributing to your tension headaches.
Over-the-counter medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may be recommended for immediate relief. Some of these preparations contain caffeine, which can help in smaller doses but care should be taken not to consume caffeine too frequently, as it can make headaches worse. It may be that you need to take a daily preventative medication to prevent tension headaches if they are chronic ones.
Anti-depressants and tranquilizers are drugs that may also be prescribed to treat your tension headaches. A heat or ice pack can further help for temporary relief of a tension headache and some people find that massaging the neck and temple area provides relief.
Practicing healthy living is important so aim to get sufficient sleep, avoid dehydration and try to eliminate or limit alcohol and cigarettes. By combining a range of treatment approaches, you will hopefully be able to reduce the discomfort and pain experienced with tension and stress headaches.
Both Kevin Sinclair & Alien are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kevin Sinclair has sinced written about articles on various topics from self improvement and motivation, Personal Development Plan and Ezines And Newsletters. Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of , a site that provides information and articles for self improvement and personal growth and de. Kevin Sinclair's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Alien has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Fitness and Get Rid of Bed Bugs. Alien writes for . He also writes for. Alien's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.