Stress

Dr. Hans Selye, the father of stress theory, defined stress as "the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it." The "demand" can be a threat, a challenge or any kind of change which requires the body to adapt. The response is automatic, immediate. Stress can be good (called "eustress") when it helps us perform better, or it can be bad ("distress") when it causes upset or makes us sick.

— Gregory Kyles, Anger Management Institute of Texas

Stress.

A stepping stone to anger.

It hits when demands stretch capacity. It becomes toxic when chronic or too intense.

The stress response activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), revving the body and mind up to handle a potentially dangerous situation. Fight, Flight (or Freeze).

Fortunately, we each have a parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) — one that acts to calm the body and to quiet the mind. One that engenders a relaxation response.

Unfortunately, research has shown that people who get angry a lot have a PNS that lets them down. It tries to bring comfort and peace, but then becomes ineffective.

So, if you experience a lot of anger, rage, resentment, or aggressive impulses, the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" needs to become your watchword.

Stress management:

1. Manage your life: Taking a little extra time to watch your schedule, to notice demands that may arise, and to plan for contingencies can drastically reduce the number of times your SNS pushes the stress alarm. Skills such as time management, organizing, effective and clear communications, and emotional intelligence are keys to this level of care.


2. Manage your stressors: Sometimes stressors intrude even into the well-managed life. These are to be expected. They will come. Managing your life simply reduces the number and severity of likely stressors. Having an action plan to manage stressors allows one to be more comfortable while dealing with stress.


3. Mangage your stress: Finally, take steps to manage your stress. Get a healthy amount of exercise each day. Schedule time for appreciating your immediate experience and to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Ask for and accept help. Practice breath-based or progressive relaxation exercises. Practice yoga daily. Coach yourself with self-talk "I am learning to manage my stress today."

This only scratches the surface ... but it's a running start!

The Emasculating Power of Anger

The December 2005 issue of Scientific American (p. 97) mentions that during stress (or anger), the functioning of the reproductive organs are suppressed. This is a useful survival trait — if you're trying to outrun a sabre-toothed tiger, you don't need an erection!

In our modern world, however, repeated stress and anger supresses the functioning of both male and female reproductive organs, sometimes even leading to infertility. This, too, is a survival trait — perpetually angry and stressed couples may not be able to reproduce. In a way it's nature's way of preventing child abuse.

A better survival trait, however, is learning to manage stress and anger. Anger management classes based on the Anderson & Anderson Model train students in the skills of stress management and help the to better understand and manage their anger. Additionally, they teach more effective communication techniques that can help prevent anger from surfacing in the first place. Finally, the teach emotional intelligence, which is the capstone in managing anger.

So guys, what will it be? A lifetime of $10 little blue pills or a few weeks spent learning to manage anger and stress?