Colleen Jolly                                                                           Extension Family Life Specialist Iowa State University cjolly@iastate.edu

Symptoms of stress

It helps to be aware of symptoms of stress in your business associates. You might notice an increase in physical signs such as headaches, lingering fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns, and more frequent illness.

Although you might think that a business associate just has a problem getting along with people, his or her frequent anger and irritability could be emotional symptoms of excessive stress. Inability to relax, discouragement, and a sense of futility also commonly result from prolonged stress.

It's important to separate the original problems or causes of stress from the resulting symptoms. Over time, stress can result in low productivity, increased use of drugs or alcohol, forgetfulness, marital or other relationship problems, loneliness and resentment.

Managing stress

Once individuals recognize symptoms of stress overload, how should they manage it? It's unrealistic to think you can eliminate stress, but there are ways to reduce the impacts. These tactics have been helpful to many people during particularly stressful times:

• Do something about one small piece of a bigger problem.
• Ask for help from family, friends, business associates or community resources.
• Use exercise to reduce symptoms of stress.
• Do something enjoyable each day.
• Protect physical health by eating well and avoiding alcohol or drugs.
• Work on accepting change as a natural part of life.

Barriers to managing stress

Unfortunately, reactions to stress overload can make it difficult to take steps that might help. Too much responsibility can make it seem almost impossible to take charge. Some barriers that can block change include:

• Trying to solve too many problems at once.
• Blaming others or not recognizing the degree of control we do have.
• Letting stress affect our judgment.
• Using drugs or alcohol as substitutes for solving the problems.
• Having a negative outlook.

Strengthen relationships

To help yourself take action during stressful times, strengthen personal and family relationships by:

• Increasing the time spent with supportive family and friends, who are important buffers in times of stress.
• Practicing positive communication with loved ones by listening and expressing appreciation.
• Making personal health a priority (because it is essential for coping with stress).
• Strengthening spiritual resources.
• Being mindful of what is most important to oneself.
• Remaining aware of ongoing changes that contribute to stress, and postponing new commitments if they will add stress.
• Reaching out to people in the community (being there for others strengthens one's own circle of support).