Reduce Stress: Stress Reduction II Stress
Reducer II Stress Exercise II
Anti Stress
II Stress Cause II Environmental Stress II
Stress Hormone II
Herpes II
Environmental Stress.
Environmental stress is defined as the minor irritations and
frustrations of every day life that we all experience. Examples of
environmental stress include trying to get things done amongst
clutter and disorganization, being late for work or an appointment
and then getting caught in a traffic jam, being interrupted when
trying to concentrate or aches and pains from sitting all day in
an uncomfortable chair. In addition, environmental stress can
include such things as the quality of the air we breathe, the type
of lighting that we have to work in, and the level of noise in the
environment.
Although environmental stress may seem minor, these constant
irritations add up to decrease our overall feelings of happiness
as well as cause us to secrete small amounts of stress hormones
into the blood stream. When we experience a major stress,
environmental stress makes these experiences even more difficult
to handle. That is why it is important to recognize environmental
stress and take steps to alleviate it as it occurs.
Environmental stress caused by poor air quality can be avoided by
ensuring that you properly ventilate areas that you spend much of
your time. In addition, you may install filters to clean the air
of environmental stress causing pollutants. Poor air quality can
come from everyday household items such as carpet, some furniture,
mildew, and mold, animal dander, cleaning supplies, adhesives,
heating, air conditioning, excess humidity and dryness and even
copiers. Smoking indoors is another major environmental pollutant
that can cause environmental stress. People can be negatively
affected by this environmental stress from even small amounts of
these toxins in the air. Some people can even get physically ill
with anything from allergies to headaches. With our modern,
energy-efficient homes, we have actually exacerbated this type of
environmental stress because our windows and doors are too good.
It used to be that windows and doors allowed drafts. This may have
caused higher heating and cooling costs but it also ensured that
the same stagnant air was not being breathed in constantly.
Whenever you can, open windows to allow some fresh air into your
home or office. Environmental stress caused by poor air quality in
polluted cities can cause concentration problems, headaches, and
fatigue. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are two
environmental pollutants that cause problems.
Lighting is a very subtle form of environmental stress. Many
people work in artificial light and are not aware that it causes
environmental stress. It is important to get as much natural light
as possible because natural light gives the mood a boost and
regulates the internal body clock. Many people gain weight and
feel more depressed in winter months. This may be due to seasonal
affective disorder or SAD. SAD is caused by a lack of sunlight.
The lack of sunlight makes us feel down and causes stress so that
we feel like eating more which may lead to weight gain. If
possible, work next to a window so that you have more exposure to
natural light or take your breaks outside in the sunlight rather
than in the break room.
Nutritional supplements can also be very
beneficial for dealing with stress. We recommend using
Extress,
a homeopathic and nutrition supplement that is exceptionally
effective in aiding the body during periods of stress, tension,
anxiety, minor phobic reactions and complaints of generalized
patterns of anxious discomfort.
To avoid environmental stress caused by smoking indoors, be sure
to work in a smoke-free environment and do not allow others to
smoke in your home. This is especially true if you have children
because they are affected by second hand smoke more than adults
due to their smaller lung capacities.
To reduce environmental stress caused by dry air, use humidifiers
and plants. Plants naturally humidify the air because when you
water them, some of the water absorbs into the air. Plants also
produce oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide in the air. If you are
experiencing environmental stress from dryness, you should be sure
to consume the recommended amount of water (six to eight glasses)
a day.
To reduce environmental stress caused by humid air, use a
dehumidifier.
Environmental stress may even be caused by the clutter and
disorganization in your environment. Take a good look around, and
eliminate item in your environment that you do not really need.
Even if you feel that you spent a lot of money on your “stuff” is
it really making you happy if it is in a cluttered, disorganized
state? What are these things costing you in peace of mind? Give it
away, throw it away or sell it if you have not used it in at least
a year. You probably won’t miss it and will feel better in an
organized, clean environment.
Believe it or not, color has a lot to do with environmental
stress. Studies have shown that people’s moods are affected by
color. Some people associate the color red with anger and this
color may actually trigger these feelings and stress. On the other
hand, the colors green and blue tend to be calming colors. This is
why actors wait to go on in the “green room” before a performance.
Be aware that background noise can also cause environmental stress
and reduce it as much as possible.
