Too much stress is unhealthy

We can't deny that STRESS is today's buzzword, especially with the existing rising problems of today's 'global recession'. According to researchers, if we're not talking about it or doing research into it or compiling figures on it, we're suffering from it.

There are people who thrive on it, while others crumble, but the bottom line is that too much stress is unhealthy for everyone. It will not only affects our physical health but also our state of mind.

Recent studies suggest that stress is highly addictive - the more we have of it, the more our body craves it, because of the chemicals released when we encounter it. From what I've read, other research has found that prolonged stress can lead to major weight gain and can even stunt a child's growth.

As stress is affecting most of today's people - young and old, students as well as working people, let me share this important tips which I've read from an old magazine that might be of much help to all. Wishing you all the best my friends.......... let us all beat stress by knowing the ways to deal with pressure.........

10 ways to deal with pressure

1. Learn to relax

It's very important to learn to ease the tensions that accumulate in your body and to know how to switch off. You may not think your body is tense or stressed until you develop body aches and pains. The trick is to relax before the headache starts. Stretching helps release muscle tension. It makes sense to regularly take time out to stretch your arms and legs and rotate your shoulders and ankles.

2. Get a hobby

A hobby you enjoy can help you switch off from whatever be it something creative like painting or a more practical hobby like gardening, you will find it will help you relax and clarify your thoughts.

3. Think positive

Depression is one symptom of stress. Thinking negatively can lead to increased stress. Challenge our negative thoughts and look at them rationally - you will see that these bad feelings about oneself can often be based on unreasonable assumptions and fears.

4. Talk about it

Talking about what is making you feel stressed can help you face problems and work out constructive ways of dealing with them. Don't let your annoyances fester. Express them. Sometimes verbalising your problems can provide a clearer picture of what needs to be done. As the old saying goes, a problem shared with a friend, or someone with a sympathetic ear, is a problem halved.

5. Find outside involvement's

Becoming interested or involved in something that has nothing to do with your stress is a fantastic antidote. It could be a cause you have always been interested in, a local club you could join or even just indulging your love of music or reading. Doing voluntary community or other work can often help you regain a sense of balance in your life.

6. Love yourself

When you are under stress, you need to take time out to pamper yourself. Put time aside to take a long bath, read your favourite magazine or eat your favourite food. Treating yourself to something special during stressful times makes you feel less resentful about the things that are stressing you.

7. Be Assertive

Be clear about your needs and feeling and don't let them be suffocated by everyone else's. Assertiveness is a skill that helps you communicate clearly what you want and makes you feel in control of your life. You might find it valuable to take a self-assertiveness course or buy a book on the subject.

8. Exercise more

It's difficult to deal with life's stresses if you are unfit. If you are physically fit, you are more likely to feel happy, motivated and mentally alert. During exercise the body releases chemicals, including endorphins, which are the body's natural antidepressants. If you find you usually sit down for long periods, put time aside to take a couple of brisk walks a day even if it's only to the end of the street.

9. Improve your diet

Too much sugar, salt and caffeine can exacerbate stress. Processed foods have been shown to interfere with blood sugar levels stress. Eat more complex carbohydrates - which research has shown have calming effect - and more fresh fruit and vegetables.

10. Laugh it off

They say that people who laugh regularly live longer. That's because a good belly laugh releases all sorts of natural chemicals into our body that neutralise stress and anger. If you can lighten up and laugh it off, this can also help put those problems into perspective.