STRESS 

Has it been ages since you woke up feeling energetic or calm? Is there a lack of enthusiasm in your bones to handle your daily routine? Or a sensation that you have too many things to do, in very little time? Welcome to the greatest epidemic of modern urban living - Stress!

Stress is the reaction or the "wear and tear" of our bodies as we adjust to our ever-changing environment. It has physical and emotional ramifications on our lives and can create positive or negative feelings.

As a positive influence, stress can compel us to action and a new awareness. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of fatigue, anxiety, rejection, anger, and depression. Such negative feelings in turn manifest into health problems such as insomnia, headaches, acidity, skin problems, ulcers, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Simply put, stress is more like a burner of your natural energy to keep pace with a world that seems to be moving faster and faster.

What causes Stress?

Stress can result because of any challenge that life poses! The causative factors vary: you could be stressed out because of a job promotion, or a new relationship, death of a loved one, the birth of a child. Also, stress can also be a result of one person handling too many things such as work or studies, aerobics and relationships. Funnily enough, sometimes even being a super-achiever can be stressful!

You must note that while short-term stress can result in temporary discomfort such as a racing heart, cold sweat, nausea or queasiness, it is the long-term exposure to stress, which hardens into serious problems.

The important thing is that it is possible to reduce the effects of stress by just taking little deviations in your routine. Stress will help or hinder us depending on how we react to it. Here are some suggested ways to deal with a stressful life:

· Realise that you are human, who needs a break and who can make mistakes.

· Control your food intake; avoid sugar, rice, refined wheat, fried foods and caffeine.

· Steer clear of addictions such as alcohol and drugs to forget your problems.

· Remind yourself that you are experiencing predictable reactions to a stressful episode.

· Meditate and focus on positive thoughts.

· Take a vacation at least once a year.

· Have faith in your own unique abilities and stop comparing yourself with others.

· Stay physically active and healthy.

· Reach out to others. Talk to supportive friends and family.

· Share your doubts with your family and care for how they are coping with life.

· Get enough sleep and rest.