Does this sound familiar? Stress is all around us. It’s an inevitable and normal part of our daily lives. But over time, its effects can be quite taxing. Stress becomes a problem when you feel overwhelmed by its challenges. And though it may be difficult to define, that doesn’t mean it’s all in your head. Researchers have found that there are significant biological changes that take place in body in times of stress. And extended periods of stress can cause destructive changes in body such as depression and a suppressed immune system, which can lead to heart disease, cancer, and stroke. So if you are feeling stressed out, its time to get some relief. Learn about stress: how to identify it, and how to find relief.

Why Do We Get Stressed? Stress is a normal physical reaction to an internal or external pressure that is placed on your system. People react to most stressful situations with “fight or flight” response. The body is flooded with stress hormones, making heart pump faster, breathing rate increase, and muscles tense up. This is body’s way of gearing up for imminent physical activity. For instance, if you are in a minor car accident, your may feel a surge of energy that allows you to escape car and help others out as well. However, sometimes stress is emotional rather than physical and body is not allowed to release physical tension created by stress hormones. If you’re stuck in a traffic jam and late for a meeting, there is little that you can safely do to release buildup of stress hormones in your body. Over time, stress can lead to back pain, headaches, raised blood pressure, indigestion, sweating, palpitations, irritability, and anxiety. It can also contribute to development of such diseases as cold sores, ulcers, and heart disease.

What Causes Our Stress? There are two types of stressors that may be causing you grief. External stressors such as traffic jams, a death in family, or a financial hardship, are often out of our direct control. Internal stressors, on other hand, develop through our own personality traits and emotions. It is our ability to handle these internal and external stressors that determines amount of stress we feel we have. Chemical substances such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, sugar, additives, drugs, and environmental toxins, deplete body of energy and are further sources of stress.

Why Do I Get Stressed? The body is pre-wired to react to a stressful situation or event by preparing for danger. If you are about to be hit by a car, your body will gear up for action, and subconsciously prepare you to deal with danger. Emotional stress, such as loss of a loved one, often results in same physical response. Stress can build up if there is no outlet to alleviate it.

Stress Management Techniques and Lifestyle Changes

Stress interferes with body's systems, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Fresh air, and eating slow regular raw meals, and taking nutritional supplements can help to restore balance to your body. Here are some additional lifestyle changes that can help you manage stress:

Coping Skills: Relieving stress may be as simple as organizing your time differently, getting more sleep at night, or talking over your problems with a close friend or family member.

Dietary Changes: It can be so difficult to eat a healthy diet when your thoughts are consumed by a stressful situation. But eating foods that are good for you will actually help you stay focused, strong, and healthy through stress. Unhealthy foods can add to digestive disorders, and sleep disturbances that can aggravate stress. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages that can cause jitteriness, and agitation, and contribute to symptoms of stress.

Get Connected: Develop and strengthen your social network so that you will have people to turn to in times of stress. Simply talking about your problems can go a long way to reducing stress they cause. You may also wish to consider joining a support group of your peers to help you manage stressful situations.