Manage Your Stress

by Jill Rheaume
(Kansas, USA)

Studies show that about 90% of doctor's visits are due to stress related illnesses. 90%!

Stress management is an important, yet often over-looked part of maintaining your mental and physical health. Of course, it's just one piece of the puzzle, but it's a sizable piece.

When you become stressed, your body goes into a heightened state and if you don't initiate a relaxation response, your body will maintain this heightened state (also commonly called "fight or flight") for much longer than is necessary or healthy.

While stressed, your blood pressure increases, as does your heart rate and respiration rate. Your muscles will tense and blood will begin to move away from your digestive system and into your brain and your muscles to prepare for the threat your body perceives that you are facing.

If you were in real danger, this response would be helpful and necessary. It's also helpful for short periods of time in many other situations in life where you need to be more alert (for example during a test) or when you need increased physical and mental strength (during childbirth for example).

However, on a day to day basis, this response can become quite harmful when sustained, causing many different emotional and physical health issues.

Finding ways to effectively manage your stress can improve your health and your quality of life. Stress management isn't just an important part of a happy life, it's also an important part of a healthy life.

Terri's Comments:Thanks for the great information Jill. You can learn more about how to manage stress at OurStressfulLives.com