MAIN Health Stress

Most everyday stress begins with a too busy schedule, extra demands at work, lack of sleep — coupled with an improper diet that doesn't provide the nutrients the body needs to combat stress.

Worries about job security or performance, dealing with difficult coworkers, school exams, financial problems, family stress, or a rocky relationship are just some of the common stress inducing life issues that almost everyone faces.

Experts say that stress and anxiety are normal reactions. Back in the cave man days, a dangerous situation created a physical response. That 'fight or flight' reaction produced chemicals to let our ancestors run faster or fight harder. It was a survival skill that helped early people stay alive to fight — or flight — another day.

No one has a stress free existence and that age old survival response programmed back in prehistoric times kicks in every time we face a stressful situation.

How you deal with stress can make the difference between whether it gets you sick or provides you with the extra energy to tackle life's problems. Time-tested tricks to reducing stress, suggest the experts, is talking about what may be troubling your mind or spirit. This is especially important when it comes to personal relationships or family members who may be involved in causing the unease. Although sometimes difficult, clearing the air can go a long way in releasing tension in any strained relationship.

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The effects of stress on your health

Studies show that stress has a direct correlation with heart disease, depression, the general lowering of the immune system and many other diseases. Yet experts agree that the simplest way of coping with common stress is taking time for a much-needed breather.

Desk exercises, deep breathing, running or jogging, or even a short walk often can go a long way toward refreshing the mind and spirit in order to clear your head and let you take on the world again.

Remember that your body produces stress chemicals to help you perform. Doing something physical lets your body use those hormones the way they were meant to work.

Nutrition also plays a large part in providing both the mental and physical strength needed to face the day.

While sugary treats may provide a quick fix of energy, nutritionists point out that it all too often results in the "sugar blues" leaving the stressed-out even less able to cope. Research has also shown that B-complex vitamins found in foods or vitamin supplements are especially helpful in combating the ill-effects of too much stress.

Life changing events such as moving to a new home, wedding stress, a death in the family, or the loss of a job naturally increase levels far above normal everyday stress, a time when quiet meditation - and especially support from loved ones - proves helpful in coping with emotional upheaval.

If you find yourself trying to deal with too much stress and feeling overwhelmed, speak to your doctor or health care provider. There are medications to relieve dangerous stress, as well as professionals who can help you learn more effective ways to deal with stress.

More about coping with stress around the Web:

Stress: How to Cope Better With Life's Challenges - Excellent overview of common symptoms, exercise, meditation and other coping tips, with related resources for kids, teens and caregivers.

Techniques, Exercises and Therapies for Relieving Stress - WebMD guide to dealing with everyday stress with detailed advice on various techniques including deep breathing, muscle relaxation, keeping a stress journal, and other proven methods.

Dealing with Job Stress: Reducing and Managing Stress at Work - Detailed guide to overcoming stress on the job with typical causes, symptoms and health effects, coping advice & techniques, with an excellent list of related references and resources.

Beating Stress Through Nutrition - A discussion on the importance that nutrition plays in reducing or increasing stress with tips on improving everyday diet and recommended vitamin supplements, and common mistakes to avoid, with related references and resources.

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