We start seeing more and more stress related problems as we worry about our future.

There are a couple of problems that are plaguing Americans today - most notably, the sub-prime loan crisis, the tightening of credit, escalating oil prices, inflation and materialism are driving most Americans (and people around the world) up the wall. Financial stress is prevalent and we must learn to recognize them as a serious threat to our lives.

Take for example, vitamin supplements. About 50 years ago, vitamin supplements were unheard of. People in the 21st century taking are supplements by the dozens daily but if you examine most grandparents, they never had the need for it and some of them have better health and more energy than people half their age.

We must recognize the fact that life 50 years ago is significantly different where people worked hard in the fields or got their hands dirty fixing things in contrast to today's society where people spend long hours in their offices or in front of their computers. As a matter of fact, there weren't much or any fast foods easily available during our grandfather's time - they eat more healthily then we do because they probably grow their own vegetables or buys from someone who does.

The absence of balanced living is another factor. Back then, the men were the ones going to work while the women nurse their kids at home. Today, it is quite common to see both parents going to work while they dump their kids at daycare or hire a nanny to take care of them. The good old family life has been turned upside down and the divorce rate in America is shocking! It's no wonder the whole family is stressed out!

In order to handle stress wisely, you must arm yourself to the teeth. We must stop seeking for 'instant' cures that are prevalent in today's MTV/YouTube society.

The four basic areas that we must focus on are:

Nutrition: You must consume proper food, not just burgers, pizzas and junk food. We must learn to fix dishes that contains less oil, sugar, salt, MSG or high cholesterol. Going back to a healthy lifestyle may not be easy, but at least you will be spared from obesity or eating all the wrong food.

Sleep: People start sleeping at irregular hours. This is not good. If you sleep whenever you want and wake up early or anytime you feel like it, your body doesn't release the right chemicals you need to give you a good rest. One of the biggest stress factors come arise from a lack of good sleeping habits.

Exercise: You must never neglect your exercises. A lot of women don't like to exercise and they think they can lose weight by starving themselves. If you want to lose weight, you must limit your intake AND control how it 'comes out' as well.

Mental or spiritual health: Never forget that stress attacks the mind first. Don't give in to it otherwise; your physical health will suffer. Most of our illnesses are all in the mind and if you develop your inner life wholeheartedly, you will be able to defeat stress easily.