Author : Michael Russell
Stress, as the body's natural reaction to certain events or stimuli in our lives, brings about positive as well as negative effects. The so called "stress response" is very vital in preparing our body for the perceived challenges or threats it is about to face. This is especially true in cases when you need a certain level of agitation or an extra dose of adrenaline to do something.Examples are when someone is about to throw in that winning shot in a ball game, or when you are about to present your proposal to your ever critical boss, or when you feel that your life is being threatened by some immediate threat. Normally, when the pressing sense of danger has passed, all body functions return to normal. This is what is known as the "relaxation response".The problem is when stress persists for prolonged durations of time, or when the relaxation response failed to initiate. In that case, the body remains high strung and the chemicals responsible for the so called "fight or flight" response continue to be secreted into our system. This condition often results to that burned out feeling associated with long-term stress. Furthermore, long-term stress can cause several ailments, which can be seriously detrimental to our health. Some of these are heart problems, decreased immune levels, sexual and reproductive dysfunctions, gastrointestinal problems and much more.However, you need not worry too much about these things since there are steps that can be undertaken to counter the problem. Healthy living coupled with several stress reduction methods can bring about the needed respite from the everyday stress of modern living.A healthy diet and regular exercise generally strengthen the body's natural defenses against stress. Be sure to eat a variety of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and to avoid excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine. Remember to steer away from tobacco!Exercise has numerous beneficial effects. It provides us with the necessary distraction from stressful events and helps maintain the optimum level of performance of our bodily systems, making it hard for stress to negatively affect our bodies.In starting a routine, be sure to consult first with your family physician so that you can be sure that you are fit to do strenuous activities and at what levels. Start slowly. Don't force yourself in performing reps beyond your capacity. After some time, you can then gradually increase your reps. Be sure to have a varied exercise regime. Find activities that are exciting, challenging and satisfying. This will keep you on your routine permanently and not drop out after several months or so! Brisk walking, swimming, aerobics and yoga or tai-chi can all be very good for this purpose.Other proven stress busters include humor, relaxation techniques, massage therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques.Having a good sense of humor helps you to cope with stress. Laughter helps release pent-up feelings and negative energies and has an actual physical effect in reducing the stress hormone.Relaxation techniques reinforce the function of the relaxation technique. Since we cannot eliminate stress from our everyday life, it is necessary to strengthen our relaxation responses. Among the more popular relaxation techniques include deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation and meditation.Massage therapy is also a proven technique in producing relaxing effects on the body. Swedish massage, shiatsu and reflexology are all recommended for this purpose.Cognitive behavioral technique is by far one of the most effective stress busters. This technique involves identifying the underlying cause or causes of the stress, restructuring your priorities, changing your response to stress and finding the appropriate methods for managing and reducing stress. The process starts with keeping a diary or an account of your daily activities and noting which experiences cause strain or negative responses alongside the things that produced the opposite effect.Restructuring your priorities in life comprises the second step. You have already identified what stresses you. Try now to shift the balance from stress-producing activities to stress-reducing activities. For example, the source of stress centers in your home. Then plan to take out-of-town weekends or make time for outdoor recreational activities."Let your feelings out". I do not mean vent out your anger or frustrations to somebody else. Therapists strongly advise talking to a trusted individual in a positive way to explain and assert your needs. Writing down your feelings may also help tremendously.Lastly, focus on the positive side of life! This helps relieve tension and help you achieve your goals.Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Stress
Keyword : stress
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