Learn to Manage Your Stress Better

We all know that life in general has it's stressful moments, whether it is an upcoming test, a hurried homemade dinner, or screaming kids, stressors come in many ways, shapes and sizes. However if you can learn to manage your stressors right, not only will you be happier and calmer but you can also stay a lot healthier.

In order for you to undertand why it is so important to learn to cope with your stress you must first gain an understanding of what stress can do to your body. Stress weakens the immune system, which can cause you to become more susceptible to common colds. Stress can cause ulcers, headaches, asthma, highblood pressure, and numerous other ailments that everyone can do without. Stress can cause coronary heart disease, one of the top killers in the United States . If you find that you are impatient, hostile, hard driving, (type a personality), try to change these traits before the damage is done.

Though there are numerous causes of stress; catastrophies, (tornadoes) major life events (moving) it is the common everyday stresses (microstressors) such as the broke down car, or the spilled cup of coffee that are the largest contributor to illness. Some ways to help reduce stress are; exercising just twenty minutes a day three times a week can decrease stress hormones (cortisol) and increase endorphins, which are your body's 'feel good' chemicals.

Laughter works the same way exercising does by increasing your endorphins. Having a sense of humour is important it takes the focus away from anger and stress, it connects us with others since it is quite contagious. Laughter truly can be the best medicine. Complimenting others and smiling often will prompt others to do the same which in turn can lighten even the darkest mood. Eat sensibly, avoid caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol which tend to only fuel stress. Take a break when you start to feel stressed. Regular planning can help as well; if you do not have a planner then get one. Do not overload yourself with too much in to short a time you know your limits, stick to them.

Probably the best de-stressor is deep breathing, whenever you feel too stressed out take a moment and take a few deep breaths, breathing through your nose and out your mouth, this really helps.

Remember to relax and enjoy yourself from time to time and the benefits can be quite rewarding.