Have you heard the expression "Stress kills?" It's likely that you have. Stress slowly weakens the body's immunity and makes it more susceptible to disease. Thus, managing stress can lead to a longer, healthier life. Stress can result from a variety of pressures such as pressure on the job as well as pressure finding a job. There could be worry about health or relationships. Your ability to handle stress can save your life.



But what is stress? One definition of stress is any response to a physical, mental or emotional trigger that causes one to change the way he thinks, acts or feels. You know the symptoms of stress: fatigue, sleep disorders, headaches, edginess, social withdrawal, grinding of the teeth, twitching and mood swings.

Stress creates changes in the body, causing an increased production of adrenalin that raises blood pressure, increases heart rate and tightens muscles. The blood undergoes changes by becoming more prone to clotting which increases the chances of stroke and heart attack.

Cortisol, an adrenal hormone triggered by stress, causes fat storage around the belly. Stress affects the cells of the body and is associated with many illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, certain cancers, Alzheimer's disease, periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease and others.

During times of stress, the body does not absorb nutrients as well. Prolonged stress causes the body to become depleted in nutrients, especially the B vitamin. Stress also promotes the formation of free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cell DNA.

10 Tips For Stress Management:

1.Managing stress includes identifying the stressor. Is a coworker constantly upsetting you? Do you realize that you grind your teeth when she comes toward you?

2.Remove the stressor if possible or at least minimize its effect. Talk to the coworker in an attempt to iron out the difficulty.

3.Talk over your concern with those who are in power to offer a viable solution. This could be your supervisor in the case of a problem coworker or a medical doctor in case of health problems.

4.Learn to relax. Often the worse never happens. Meditation and prayer can help put things back into perspective, and when you are still, can provide answers.

5.Eat right. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables. They contain flavonoids that fight free radicals. Avoid caffeine which can keep you from sleeping.

6.Get moving. Exercise lessens stress and clears your mind. Don't let excuses stop you from exercising and turn you into a couch potato.

7.Find humor in your surroundings. Think happy, peaceful, pleasant thoughts. Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

8.Breathe deeply. Breathe in through your nose slowly to the count of five, hold for two seconds, and then let it out slowly through your mouth

9.Get massages. This therapy has historically been known to improve circulation and lymphatic flow thereby speeding the detoxification of cells. This strengthens immunity.

10.Take your supplements: antioxidants, minerals and calcium. They are your insurance policy for a healthy immune system. Antioxidants help the body repair itself when damaged from stress. Follow the recommended dosage on the bottles.

Consult a physician before beginning any treatment or therapies. This article should not be interpreted as providing medical advice.