ARE YOU LOST?

Sometimes finding our way home when we are already home seems like a misnomer. But how can you feel lost when you haven’t been anywhere? Here are some of the most common symptoms of distress

Physical Symptoms of Distress Involving Skeletal Muscles 1.  Tension headaches 2.  Frowning 3.  Gritting or grinding of teeth 4.  Jaw pain 5.  Stuttering or stammering 6.  Trembling of lips or hands 7.  Muscle tenseness, bracing, and aches 8.  Neck aches 9.  Back pain 10. Aggressive body language

Physical Symptoms of Distress Involving the Autonomic Nervous System 1.  Migraine headaches 2.  Increased sensitivity to light and sound 3.  Light headedness, faintness, or dizziness 4.  Ringing in ears 5.  Enlarged pupils 6.  Blushing 7.  Dry mouth 8.  Problems swallowing 9.  Frequent colds or bouts with the flu 10.Hives 11. Rashes 12. “Cold chills,” or “goose bumps” 13. Heartburn, stomach cramping, or nausea 14. Uneven or rapid heartbeat without exercising 15. Difficulty breathing 16. Sudden, suffocating panic, as if you are about to die 17. Heart and chest pain 18. Increased perspiration 19. Night sweats 20. Cold, sweaty hands 21. Painfully cold hands and feet 22. Gaseousness or belching 23. Frequent urination 24. Constipation 25. Nervous diarrhea 26. Lowered sexual desire 27. Difficulty with sexual orgasm

Mental Symptoms of Distress 1.  Anxiety, worry, guilt, or nervousness 2.  Increased anger and frustration 3.  Moodiness 4.  Depression 5.  Increased or decreased appetite 6.  Racing thoughts 7.  Nightmares 8.  Problems concentrating 9.  Trouble learning new information 10. Forgetfulness 11. Disorganization or confusion 12. Difficulty making decisions 13. A sense of being overloaded or overwhelmed by problems 14. More frequent crying 15. Suicidal thoughts 16. Fear of getting close to people 17. Loneliness

Behavioral Symptoms of Distress 1.  Inattention to dress or grooming 2.  More frequent lateness 3.  A more “serious” appearance 4.  Unusual behavior 5.  Nervous habits, such as finger or foot tapping 6.  Rushing around or pacing the floor 7.  Increased frustration and irritability 8.  Edginess 9.  Overreaction to small things 10. Increased number of minor accidents 11. Perfectionism 12. Reduced work efficiency or productivity 13. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work 14. Fast or mumbled speech 15. Defensiveness or suspiciousness 16. Strained communication with others 17. Social withdrawal 18. Constant tiredness 19. Sleep problems 20. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs 21. Weight gain or loss without diet 22. Increased smoking 23. Recreational drug use 24. Increased alcohol use 25. Gambling or overspending

(Taken from: “The Doctor’s Guide to Instant Stress Relief: A Psychological and Medical System” by Ronald G. Nathan, Ph.D., Albany Medical College, New York, Thomas E. Staats, Ph.D., Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, Paul J. Rosch, M.D., The American Institute of Stress, New York.)

Do you recognise any of these symptoms in you or someone else? So what can you do? Have you thought about seeking help? You cannot be stressed and relaxed at the same time? So which would you prefer to be?

How to relax?

Any of the above will work and if you want to try meditation then join a meditation group. Social media platforms like Meetup has a listing of many meditations groups in your area you can join for free. If you are interested in joining one of our online meetups then get in touch with us. Just email, mindfulness@mindfulnessworld.co.uk.