Stress

　　This may come as a surprise, but you need stress in your life. Leading stress management experts say that life without stress would be dull and unexciting. Stress adds flavor, challenge, and opportunity to life. However, too much stress can seriously affect your physical and mental well-being. A major challenge in today's stress-filled world is to make the stress in your life work for you instead of against you.
　　In today's hectic, fast-paced world and with the booming economy, stress is our constant companion. It comes from mental or emotional activity and physical activity. Too much emotional stress can result in physical illness, such as high blood pressure, ulcers, asthma, irritable colon, headaches, or even heart disease. On the other hand, physical stress from work or exercise rarely causes such ailments. In fact, physical exercise can help you to relax and to handle your mental or emotional stress.
　　Hans Selye, M.D., a recognized expert in the field, has defined stress as a "nonspecific response of the body to a demand". The key to reducing stress is learning how our bodies respond to those demands. When stress becomes prolonged or particularly frustrating, it can become harmful-causing distress or "bad stress". Recognizing the early signs of distress and then doing something about them can make a significant difference in the quality of your life.
　　In order to use stress in a positive way and prevent it from becoming distress, you should be aware of your own reactions to stressful events. The body responds to stress by going through specific stages: (1) alarm, (2) resistance, and (3) exhaustion. Muscles tense, blood pressure and heart rate rise, and adrenaline and other stress-triggered hormones that increase the level of alertness are released. If the stress-causing conditions continue, your body will need time to make repairs, if that happens, you eventually may develop a physical problem that is related to stress, such as migraine headaches, high blood pressure, backaches, or insomnia. That's why when stress occurs it's important that you recognize and deal with it in a positive way. While it's impossible to live completely free of stress and distress, it is possible to prevent some distress as well as to minimize its impact when it can't be avoided. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers the following suggestions for ways to handle stress.

　　Try Physical Activity

　　When you're nervous, angry or upset, try releasing the pressure through exercise or physical activity. Running, walking, playing tennis, or working in your garden are just some of the activities you might try. Physical exercise will relieve your anxiety and worry and help you relax. Your body and your mind will work together to ease the stress in your life.

　　Share Your Stress

　　It helps to talk with someone about your anxieties and worries. Perhaps a friend, family member, teacher, or counselor can help you achieve a more positive perspective on what's troubling you. If you feel your problem is serious, you might seek professional help from a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker. Knowing when to ask for help is a positive step in avoiding more serious problems later.

　　Take Care of Yourself

　　You should make every effort to eat well and to get enough rest. If you're irritable and tense from lack of sleep, or if you're not eating properly, you'll be more vulnerable to stressful situations. If stress repeatedly keeps you from sleeping, you should consult your doctor.

　　Make Time for Yourself

　　Schedule time for both work and recreation. Don't forget, play can be just as important to your overall well-being as work. You need a break from your daily routine to just relax and have fun. Go window-shopping or work on a hobby. Allow yourself at least a half hour each day to do something you enjoy.