Broward College Expert Offers Tips for Managing Stress

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 31, 2015) – Stress is a daily part of life. During Stress Awareness Month, observed in April, Broward College Employee Wellness Manager Brenda Bordogna is sharing information on what stress is, what causes it to occur, as well as how to cope. 

Stress is defined as the brain’s response to demand. There are different triggers and various forms of stress, including routine stress caused by daily demands; stress caused by sudden negative changes, such as a divorce or illness; and traumatic stress, as a result of a major accident, natural disaster or a similar event.  

Unfortunately, the body reacts to different types of stress similarly. So even though potential danger can trigger a stress response, so can consistent worrying over debt or a work deadline. Each time, the body responds the same way – the body’s heart rate increases, and blood pressure and glucose levels change. This can cause headaches, sleeplessness, anger, irritability, while chronic stress can cause viral infections. It’s important to remember that bodies were not meant to deal with chronic stress.  

One of the most important steps in managing stress, especially for those who cannot change their lifestyle, is recognizing some situations are out of a person’s control. To manage stress it is important to relax and unwind at the end of the day. This can be as simple as exercising, meeting with friends, spending time with pets or reading. 

Bordogna also recommends yoga, meditation and aromatherapy. Meditation brings focus and calm, by allowing the practitioner to focus their attention on their breathing or a mantra. Yoga combines physical postures with breathing techniques and meditation or relaxation. The combination of these components help to bring the physical body, as well as the mind, into a state of balance, focus and calm.  

Aromatherapy is another good alternative since the fragrance of certain plants may help to alleviate stress. Essential oils distilled from plants often have calming properties. Aromatherapy can be utilized alone or in combination with other stress relief methods. Lavender, chamomile, frankincense, sandalwood and clary sage are all scents that help produce a calming effect. 

For more information, contact Angela Nicoletti at 954-201-7939 or anicolet@broward.edu.

-BC-