Stress Less

Stress is the greatest detriment to the mind and body. Stress can be directly linked to cancer, heart disease, depression, anxiety and a whole host of other mental and physical ailments. In our modern society, it is almost impossible to escape stress – in fact; most of us encounter it on a daily basis.

What causes stress in your life?

Statistical evidence suggests that when our country enters into an economic recession, health problems increase. I think this is due to two factors. First, the mental stress caused by financial problems translates into chemical imbalances and physical stresses that can wreak havoc on the mind and body. And second, people are forced to make sacrifices due to lack of money and usually one of the top sacrifices is the quality of food which they purchase. The dollar menu at a fast food restaurant becomes the best option instead of healthy, fresh organic foods. The lack of anti-oxidant intake from no longer consuming healthy foods further contributes to the "stress effect" as the body lacks defenses. Trying to save money by eating cheap food will usually result in greater expense later in medical bills or reduced income from time lost at work due to illness.

Stressful times are the very times when we need to be most diligent in our efforts to maintain health and combat the effects of stress. If we let stress take control of our bodies, we will lose our health and cause a much higher level of stress. Exercising, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of mineral rich water, smiling, stretching, yoga, meditation, walking, talking to loved ones and restful sleep are some ways to fight stress.

How do you cope with stress?

Often, many people turn to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals or other drugs to ease their stress - only to add to the chemical imbalances in their bodies caused by the very stress they are trying to cope with. Not that there is ever a good time to drink, smoke or do drugs, but  it would certainly NOT be during stressful times.

My best advice - put your stresses into perspective relative to your life as a whole. Usually you will discover that whatever you are stressing about is far less detrimental to your health, happiness and success than the actual effects of the internal stresses you are creating by stressing. Make sense?

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