Stress affects us physically, mentally, emotionally, and influences all our behaviors. Stress may be defined as a demand for adaptation. It has been shown, however, that we humans respond to demands not as they actually are, but as we perceive them to be. A stress may be real or imagined.

There are many types of stress we constantly face. These stress factors may be physical (exposure to the extremes of temperature, injuries, or accidents), chemical (exposure to pollutants, allergens, poisons, toxins, and drugs), microbiological (germs, bacteria, viruses, fungus, and other microorganisms), psychological or extreme emotional states (fear, anger, sadness, or a sense of loss), mental functioning (suppression or repression), as well as inborn drives to hurry, to succeed, to compete, as well as sociocultural (work pressures, crime, IRS, regulations, financial crisis and peer and parental pressure). Stress affects practically every organ in the body and if not controlled can certainly aggravate and complicate most any known disease or illness. You can better cope with stress and relieve stress in your life. Following methods help you reduce stress, relax better, and enjoy life more.

• Develop a positive attitude about everything you do.
• Tell yourself to relax totally.
• Practice breathing exercises to relax.
• Cultivate a good sense of humor.
• Listening to relaxing music will dissolve your tension.
• Call a relative or friend.
• Exercise or take a brisk walk to lift your spirit.
• Stretch or yawn for better relaxation
• Take a nature break.
• Take a vacation or a weekender.
• Get proper rest.
• Prayer will break the anxiety cycle.

Of course, there are other stress-relieving techniques such as getting a pet ( Excellent for Many ), but the important thing is to Do Something To Relieve the Existing Situation !

Adopted from Mental Attitude and Self Image
By Gus J. Prosch, Jr., M.D.