Stress - What Is Stress?

Stress contributes to the first and second leading causes of death - heart disease and cancer.  It is also a major factor in migraines, digestive problems, mental illness, chronic insomnia, high blood pressure, allergies, and the common cold.

Stressors are what causes one to become stressed. Here are some common stressors that may be the reason why you feel stressed-out:

• Financial problems
• Health problems
• Pressure at work                                    
• Not enough exercise
• Poor diet
• Personal relationship issues
• Conflict with co-workers
• Conflict with family members
• No one to talk to

symptoms of excess stress

Unresolved stress can wear down your body.  When you are under stress, your body is not able to react or function at full capacity.  When this occurs, your immune system becomes compromised and you can begin to feel sick. Here are some common system of excess stress:

• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Tight neck and shoulder muscles               
• Feelings of anger
• Feelings of anxiety
• Insomnia
• Headaches or migraines
• Forgetfulness
• Sadness
• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Colds or congestion
• Indigestion
• Poor appetite 

stress management

Here are some ways to reduce stress and help you on your journey to a stress-reduced lifesyle:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Visualization
• Journaling
• Massage therapy
• Communication
• Exercise
• Healthy eating
• Time management

See which techniques works for you and stick with it.  Stress will always be apart of our lives, but we need to be in control of our stress and not let our stress control us.

*Information from the Wellness Council of America; eng.morgan.edu; jiyolifemoments.blogspot.co...*