Are You a Stress Addict?

Everyone has that friend. The one that seems to be running from one crisis to another. The one that when you FINALLY get back from your lunch date that she rescheduled three times, you are exhausted. Did he/she ever even ask anything about you? Or did he/she just start on about this, this, that, and the other.

This doesn't make him or her a bad person. In fact, they are probably downright LOVELY. But they have been sucked into the stress/restress vortex. And you want to help. More importantly, you want to make sure YOU aren't them.
Here's a checklist to see if you are addicted to chaos and stress.

- Do you take on excessive amounts of work/responsibility?
- Are you a workaholic?- Are you an overachiever?
- Are you an inattentive listener?
- Are you always late?
- Do you rush everywhere?
- Do you complain as a way to bond with others?
- Are you a perfectionist or worry wort?
- Do you lose patience quickly?
- Do you procrastinate? A lot?

Are you addicted and you didn't even know it?

We ALL do or get a little freaky at some point in our lives. It's just an ebb and flow part of life. Sometimes we get caught up in vortexes of stress. Not to worry, no shame in it but let's get out of the stress loop and help others do the same.

Believe it or not, some people seek out stressful situations, consciously or unconsciously. Here's why - fear. Yup, another four-letter F word. Some reasons for becoming addicted to chaos include:

Modeling: People whose family members habitually took on excessive amounts of responsibility might do the same.

Habit: Some people have had a long-term pattern of taking on too much responsibility.

Workaholism: If you believe the cultural norm that overworking isn't only acceptable but laudable, you're more inclined to continue to burn the candle at both ends, eventually burning out.

Gratification: Some people seek out praise and affirmation for achieving.Principle: Some people assume an unreasonable amount of responsibility to prove to themselves and others that they're capable of.

Pleasure: The impact of stress on the central nervous system can replicate the sensation of a natural high.Distraction: Focusing on small stressors can distract people from broader, more demanding tasks or problems they might prefer to avoid.

Commiseration: Complaining about stress with others can be a bonding experience. Do any of these things resonate with you? Principle and Commiseration I was especially good at it in the past. Understanding your triggers will go a long way in helping you create a more gentle reality for yourself and those you influence. Balance isn't something that you find. It's something you create.

Here are some reasons you don't want to keep plowing down "Stress & Fear's" yellow brick road.

Symptoms of Stress Stress can affect all aspects of your life, including your emotions, behavior, thinking ability and physical health. No part of your systems are immune, but, because people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can vary. Symptoms can be vague and may be the same as those caused by medical conditions. It is important to discuss them with your doctor.

You may experience any of the following symptoms of stress.

Emotional symptoms of stress include: Becoming easily agitated, frustrated and moody feeling overwhelmed like you are losing control or need to take control having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless and depressedAvoiding others.

Physical symptoms of stress include: Low EnergyHeadachesUpset stomach, nausea, digestive issuesAches, pains, muscle tightness, chest pain and rapid heartbeat Insomnia Frequent colds and infections loss of sex driveNervousness, vertigo, ringing in the ears dry mouth, Grinding teeth, TMJSpecifically, your relationships suffer. You won't have any free time.

SOMETHING will be pressing because you procrastinated to the last minute or you are overly worried. That payoff of calm later if I do everything now - is NOT guaranteed. It's probably not even likely. Be in the now. Do you even remember what makes you happy? You are likely disconnected from yourself as well as your loved ones. Yikes! I feel like I have been Debbie Downer. Sorry about that but It's important that you understand the physical and emotional ramifications of stress. I see the results of it in my practice daily. It's one of THE biggest precursors to disease.