Ways to Manage Stess

If you've ever experienced a situation that caused your heart to beat faster, nausea, rapid breathing or tense muscles, then you know what stress feels like. We are all faced with situations that seem overwhelming. The reality is that there is no way to avoid it. Stress is a fact of life and something that everyone deals with from time to time. To sum it up, stress is how your body responds emotionally and physically to professional and personal demands.

There is more to stress than we realize. When our body is stressed it increases blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, metabolism and blood flow to our muscles. Mind-altering effects are mood changes, negative thinking, disrupted focus, and damaged self-confidence. Too much can be harmful to both physical and mental health. Learning how to manage stress can help prevent it from having a negative impact or reaching unmanagable levels. When it gets to be unhealthy, stress can cause problems such as skin disorders, headaches, ulcers, insomnia and depression.

Studies show that:

• 75-90% of visits to physicians are stress-related.
• Job stress is a major health factor costing businesses an estimated $150 billion annually.
• Stress-related disorders are a major cause of increasing health care costs.

It can't be avoided, but it can be controlled, so here are some effective stressbusters that can help you handle the pressures of everyday life.

• Deep Breathing - inhaling and exhaling is an immediate stress reliever that helps you relax.
• Quiet Time - Setting aside quiet time will give you a chance to clear your mind and focus on positive thoughts and plans. This is also a great time for meditation and prayer.
• Exercise - Experts agree that exercise is a great way to ease stress. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins, which stimulate feelings of well-being and relaxation.
• Massage Therapy - It relaxes the muscles allowng your body to release tension.
• Laughter - Laughter is the best medicine during a stressful time. Bring more laughter into your life by renting a funny movie, going to a comedy club or hanging out with someone who has a great sense of humor.

Stress can strike at any time, so when it hits, try these stressbusters and control stress before it controls you. However, if stress becomes overwhelming and imposes a negative impact on your overall well-being, you should seek help from a spiritual counselor, psychologist, doctor or other qualified professional.