Not sure you read USA Today, this morning, but there is an article about the high level of children’s stress. Now, brides are not children, but the adults in the survey also reported feeling stressed. There is really no time that is happier and more stressful all rolled into one big happy event than a wedding. The economy is definitely adding to the stress level of the average American, and adding the cost of a wedding to an already shaky economy is enough to elevate anyone’s stress level from average to high.
So what’s a bride to do?
The best advice is to find a way to manage the stress. Catching the level as it rises is much better than letting it go to the explosion level.
Exercise is (of course) our #1 recommendation for stress management. Regular exercise can be a major stress reduction strategy.
The American Psychological Association just released their “”Stress In America 2009” report. They surveyed 1568 adults in July and August 2009.
Their findings:
This year, 49% of respondents reported turning to tunes when worried; 44% said they exercise. Reading helps calm 41% of respondents, while watching television or a movie and social interaction help ease the stress of 36% of those surveyed.
Despite the prevalence of sedentary activity, a bright spot is that the report found that Americans are looking less to smoking and alcohol use than they did a year ago. In 2008, 18% of respondents said they smoked or drank to reduce stress. This year, that number shrank to 14%. The number of Americans–4%–who said they gamble away their worries was the same this year as it was in 2008.
Though 42% of Americans this year say their stress is rising, compared with 47% in 2008–nearly a quarter of respondents say they experienced high levels of stress in the last year. (This is measured by an eight, nine or 10 on a 10-point scale.) Irritability or anger, fatigue and lack of interest or motivation top the list of symptoms.
Such high stress levels can result in conditions such as high arrhythmia of the heart and hardening of the arteries, says Dr. Joseph W. Stubbs, president of the of Physicians and an internist in Albany, Ga. Stress also increases adrenaline, which increases the heart rate, potentially leading to high blood pressure. The number of migraine headaches may also increase for sufferers.
The Cost of Stress
The workplace also suffers in absenteeism and lost worker productivity. A study conducted last year by the Emory Institute for Advanced Policy Solutions found that firms that focus on improving employee health through worksite health promotion programs showed that the savings are greater than the cost. The study reported that program, for example, reduced health risks such as high cholesterol levels, smoking and high blood pressure, and saved the company up to $8.8 million annually.
“We found that the design of some of these programs have been found not only to reduce medical costs, but more immediately increase productivity,” says Ken Thorpe, professor of health policy at Emory University. We know the designs of these programs can produce return on investment of up to five to one.”
Such programs may help Americans deal with health-related stress issues, but with unemployment at a 26-year high of 9.8% and expected to grow by year’s end, it’s not likely that Americans’ stressors will soon abate. Still, there are ways to cope.
Those dealing with job-related stress should maintain healthy habits, even if the amount of time available to devote to them has lessened. This includes setting aside time for daily exercise and relaxation techniques. Taking attention away from work by socializing with friends also may also help relieve anxiety.
It may seem counter-intuitive in uncertain economic times defined by the constant threat of unemployment, but taking a vacation could help alleviate job worries. Removing yourself from daily demands and changing your environment allows you to recharge so you’re better able to perform in the office.
If getting away isn’t an option, Stubbs recommends lifestyle changes such as getting a good night’s rest, eating well and exercising. He also suggests cognitive behavioral therapy, and in some cases, medication.
The experts have spoken. Make your plan for how you will manage your stress….from this day forward.
A 28-year old woman from Redmond was busy making preparations for her wedding day and decided to have laser-assisted liposuction to improve her appearance.