Living Life to the Fullest or an Adrenalin Junkie

Stress is defined as any physical, emotional or psychological strain. Not all stress is harmful.

• Eustress - A type of stress that is exciting and fun, like a sport.
• Acute Stress- A short term type of stress that can be positive or negative, like dealing with road rage.
• Episodic Acute Stress - A stress that runs rampant and is a way of life, like a drama queen.

• Chronic Stress - A stress that triggers the body response to perceived threats or real danger, know as the "fight or flight" reaction. During this stress certain hormones are released like adrenalin, and cortisol, which speed up the hear rate, slows digestion, and the blood in your body is actually shunted to the major muscle groups.

Chronic stress may be a result of almost anything, job stress, money problems, relationship stress with your spouse, problems with your children, health problems, and a whole host of other life issues. The problem with chronic stress that goes on over a period of time is some of the physical side effects in the long term.

• depression
• diabetes
• hair loss
• heart disease
• hyperthyroidism
• obesity
• obsessive-compulsive or anxiety disorder
• sexual dysfunction
• tooth and gum disease
• ulcers
• cancer may be tied to higher stress levels

There are some traits and attitudes that cause stress, such as perfectionism, Type A personality, pessimism, external locus of control, poor communication, addictive or unhelathy behavior, anger, rumination and obsession.

Therapy, relaxation techniques, listening to your favorite music, going to a movie with a friend, confiding in someone you can trust, and changing jobs are just a few ways to relieve stress.

Does being an adrenalin junkie relieve stress or is it the height of stress? Obviously you are living under stress most of the time if you are an adrenalin junkie. The term Adrenalin Junkie was used in the film Point Break referring to the people that prefer living dangerously. As a critical care nurse we were referred to sometimes as adrenalin junkies, then you could label many types of jobs such as fire fighters, policeman, window cleaners that work 70 stories up, and so forth.

The everyday adrenalin junkie is slightly different. They tend to create drama and crisis in their lives, either consciously or unconsciously, and they get that rush of excitement. This type of person works better under pressure and in stressful situations. The following are some types of adrenalin junkies that may be in your life or may actually be you:

• People that always seem to have a crisis going on in their life. They surround themselves with troubled people who need their help.
• People that are always rushing with a fully packed schedule and they will take more on as necessary.

• People who have dramatic conflicts with other people frequently, are easily angered and the cause unnecessary drama.
• Students or workers who always wait until the last minute to get things done.

Some people are just busy with the circumstances of their lives which does not mean they are adrenalin junkies. It is when you see crisis after crisis that you would suspect the problem. Leading an exciting and good life is wonderful and not a problem.

Obviously the adrenalin junkies answered (B) most of the time. Most of us have at least a couple of these characteristics, but when you get over 5 or 6, you are well on your way to being an adrenalin junkie. If you want to change your life than maybe this little assessment will make you sit back and think about the things that can be changed and look for some relaxing "me" time. Relaxation techniques can reverse your bodies physical response to the stress hormones and its worth a try.

So, Is the Bunji jumper crazy? An adrenalin junkie? Or does he do this to relieve stress?