How to reduce your stress

Stress has been directly linked to any number of illness and ailments. However, unless you live a fairly isolated life (and then only by choice), you will come across stress. For most people stress seems to arrive along a spectrum of events, from being stuck in traffic, to the illness or death of a loved done. Stress is pretty hard to avoid. It is important to remember that stress is not necessarily a bad thing; it is only your body's reaction to the environment around it. In fact, there are some stresses that are actually enjoyable such as watching an exciting movie or riding a thrilling roller coaster. The adrenaline that you feel is your body's reaction to the stress.

The problem with stress is when you have to deal with it for long periods of time. When you have chronic stress, your body will produce a range of hormones that will go out into your system. They will speed up your heart rate, raise your blood pressure and actually get your body ready for fight or flight. However, if you have prolonged exposure to these chemicals in your bloodstream, it can be a contributing factor to several different health problems. This can include but is not limited to: heart disease, mood problems, high blood pressure and destructive coping behaviors. The answer to this is to manage the way you deal with stress. Instead of giving into the negative effects of the stress, you need to try and replace them with healthier behaviors. It is important to realize that every person will manage their stress differently, to find what works for them. Here is what you need to know about how to reduce your stress-

• Get moving-Exercise is not just good for your body, but for you mind as well. Getting moving will help your body to produce those feel good hormones, known as endorphins. In addition, regular exercise will help to lower your blood pressure and give you extra resources to better manage your stress. Keep in mind that exercise doesn't have to be long or hard to do this. Just 30 minutes a day will give you big rewards.


• Get an attitude adjustment-Much of the way we process stress, is a matter of how we look at things. Decide today that you will not let situations that you cannot control stress you out. If someone cuts you off in traffic, or you pick the slowest line at the bank, then choose to handle it in a low stress manner. Take slow deep breaths and decide that this is not the event that will ruin your day.


• Get plenty of sleep-One of the major problems with stress is that it can affect your sleep. Then after you haven't slept for awhile, you become more stressed. This becomes part of a vicious cycle. Studies have shown that it only takes a few hours to refresh and recharge your body, but your mind needs at least 8 hours of sleep in order to be ready to handle the next day's stress. Try to pick a consistent bedtime and get to bed. Make your room as stress free as possible to insure that you are getting the best quality of sleep possible. It will only to help to better manage your stress.


• Get some fun back into your life-It is important to make sure that you are making time everyday to have some fun. Everyone needs to find the things that give them joy and pleasure and put them into your life. Do not let the demands of careers; family and other obligations rob you of the joy of life. Having some fun is one of the best ways to gear your body up to dealing with whatever stress lies out there.