by Janet Pieterse

Created on: January 19, 2008   Last Updated: October 12, 2009

Stress gets a lot of bad press these day. Almost everyone seems to be stressed out: too many working hours, too little money, anti-social neighbourhoods, lawsuits, divorces, raising kids. All of these play a role.

Yet stress is not a modern phenomenon: it's as old as the human race. Our bodies prove it: we have an inbuilt stress reaction. It gives us an instant flood of adrenaline and energy gives us almost superhuman powers. It's stress that gives mothers the strength to lift cars off trapped babies; stress that gives you the creative spurt that makes you shine in the face of a deadline.

In some ways, stress is a truly wonderful thing! And you can have too much of a wonderful thing. Your body can't pump out adrenaline and energy full time. When you don't manage your stress, it stops being Dr Jekyll and turns into Mr Hyde.

It's not always possible to remove the causes of stress from your life. But you can manage the way you handle it, you can harness the stress reaction so that it works for you and not against you.

And once again, we have to start with our diet. Stress needs good, wholesome, nourishing, food if it's going to empower us. We have to make all that adrenaline and energy out of something! Skipping meals will make matters worse and reduce your performance, it won't give you more time to get something done. Salads rich in vegetables, wholesome soups, nuts, eggs, cheese, cold meats are all quick to reach for when you're pressed for time.

Vitamins B. C and Choline are needed to produce adrenaline. Vitamins B1, B2 and niacin help produce energy. The metabolic processes behind them need Calcium. It's worth taking a special B-complex supplement because those essential stress vitamins aren't stored in the body. Take a low-dose multivitamin too; increasing levels of one vitamin usually causes increased needs for another. Calcium is stored in the body; only consider a supplement if you don't get enough milk, cheese, yogurt, almonds.

Limit alcohol. It may feel relaxing, but it competes for those precious B-vitamins.

Step two in managing stress, is take a break! You need some time to rest and recover. All work and no play makes our thoughts and reactions dull. We have to balance the stress response with a relaxation response in a stress-relax stress-relax rhythm, ideally on a daily basis.

Exercise is always good, provided your health allows it. A good run or workout gives you a good physical channel for your frustrations (which are also a stress trigger). Yoga teaches you relaxation techniques in addition to stretching the muscles. How about a diverting hobby? There must be something that interests you enough to take your mind off your daily grind! Have you ever wanted to play an instrument, write a book, make a quilt, build model airplanes or railways, play a game competitively, cook gourmet-style food? What are you waiting for? or simply get away! Whether it's a relaxing weekend in the country, a week on the beach or a new city to explore, a short holiday can do you the world of good. Take walks, go sailing, or just read in peace and quiet.

Finally, create a calm environment at home. Take the trouble to keep at least one room clean and pleasant to retreat to. Scented candles, soft lighting and soft music all help contribute to a relaxing mood. You need a little glow of order in a sea of chaos.

Remember, stress can be a powerful ally. Manage it, rather than confront it, and it can spur you on to greatness.

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