by Christine Conte

Created on: January 08, 2007   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

"Stress" itself is your mind/body's reaction to "stressors", or outside influences which demand a reaction from you. In times of stress, your heart rate increases, your blood pressure rises, and your system fills with certain stress hormones: all these physical reactions are designed to give you the strength to meet demands head-on.

Unfortunately, when new stress piles on top of old stress, it all too often doesn't get released, and all the physical symptoms (heart rate, blood pressure) are not relieved. You remain in a constant state of agitation.

Unrelieved stress is a major factor in many health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Fortunately, there are a number of ways of coping with stress.

RELAXATION- Learn how to meditate. Study after study has proven that meditation can relax your body and mind, relieve stress, and lower your heart rate and blood pressure. In only twenty minutes a day, meditation can work wonders in calming your mind, relaxing your body, and even improving your health.

Meditation itself is not difficult. Often, the most difficult part of meditation is in actually finding the discipline TO meditate regularly. There are many books and websites which explain how to meditate.

SELF-TALKThe constant negative "dialogue" that goes on in your mind can be gradually changed into positive thoughts. Pick an affirmation that encourages relaxation, such as "I am calm and relaxed" or "I can handle this calmly.", and repeat it to yourself as often as you can, especially when you start thinking about how stressed out you are! Positive thoughts are a great habit to develop.

EXERCISE- You may have heard of "fight or flight"in a moment of danger, your body prepares you to have the strength to either confront the danger or to run away as fast as possible. Either of these is a physical reaction that burns off the stress hormones and allows the heart rate and blood pressure to return to normal.

Exercise truly can achieve the same effectburning off the excess stress your body has stored. (Check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen!)

DIET Eat healthy, nutritious foods to supply the nutrients your body needs. Avoid caffeine, even though you think you can't function without it. Maybe you can even consider taking a "stress complex" (usually a combination of B-vitamins) vitamin supplement, with your doctor's approval.

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