A worldwide calamity…stress! Stress is the culprit off many health conditions people are experiencing today. I don’t think that there are too many people who are not currently experiencing some form of stress. Physical, mental, emotional, and environmental stress are some of the different forms of stress that can have an adverse effect on any part of the body's system and have been associated with the following conditions:

• Headaches

• Upset Stomach

• High or Low Blood Pressure

• Chest Pain

• Sleeping Problems

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Rapid Aging

• A Weak Immune System

• Hair Loss

• Fatigue

• Chronic Pain and Inflammation

• Weight Gain

• Skin Problems

All off these conditions lead to serious health problems like heart disease, post-traumatic stress, autoimmune disease, etc.

Luckily the body was designed to cope with stress. According to HelpGuide, stress is the natural way the body responds and alerts us to danger. When a threat is perceived, the nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones result in increased heart beats, the tightening of muscles, elevated blood pressure, breath quickens, and the senses become sharper. These bodily responses increase your strength, stamina, reaction time, and enhance focus allowing the body to prepare for emergency response.

Like most things in life it all comes down to balance. It is ok for us to feel stress because it helps us perform under pressure, it motivates us, and it keeps us focused, energetic and alert.

How do we stay balanced? First, you must learn to recognize the symptoms, they are easy to overlook and difficult to keep under control. People have adjusted to a fast pace, tense and stressful lifestyles. Stress has become familiar and a normal physical and mental state with a very heavy price tag.

“Don’t allow stress to ruin your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life, KNOW THE SIGNS.”

Below is a guide to help you identify stress in your life. Everybody experiences and copes with stress differently. Below are a few things you can do to release stress but be mindful that these stress indicators can also be precursors to other conditions your body may be developing and they should not be ignored.

Below are some easy and healthy options to release stress and be a happier, healthier you.

Take Action…Implement…and free yourself from deadly stresses with these additional

stress relieving actions.

DEEP BREATHING

• Detoxifies and Releases Toxins

• Releases Tension

• Relaxes the Mind and Body, Bringing Clarity

• Relieves Emotional Problems

• Relieves Pain

• Massages Your Organs

• Increases Muscle

• Strengthens the Immune System

• Improves Posture

• Improves Quality of the Blood

• Increases Digestion and Assimilation of Food

• Improves the Nervous System

• Strengthen the Lungs

• Proper Breathing makes the Heart Stronger

• Proper Breathing assists in Weight Control

• Boosts Energy levels and Improves Stamina

• Improves Cellular Regeneration

• Elevates Moods

SLOWING DOWN

• Increases Focus

• Permits the Enjoyment of Food

• Results in Less Eating

• Reduces the Likelihood of Mistakes

• Better Decisions are Made

• Reduces the Risk of Cancer

• Communication is Clearer

• Result in Better Perspective

VITAMIN D... SUNSHINE!

• Prevents Cancer

• Normalizes Hormonal Functions

• Prevents Obesity

• Prevents inflammation

• Promotes a Stronger Immune System

• Increase Quality of Sleep

• Results is Better Eating Habits

• Promotes Better Sleep

• Provides a break from technology

• Promotes a clear and focused mindset

• Promotes Physical Activity

• Promotes Mental Health

WORKING OUT

• Speeds up Metabolism

• Strengthens the Heart

• Lifts the Spirit

• Provides Stimulation

• Maintains the Mind and Body Calm

• Counter Acts Depression

• Reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.

• Stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators.

• Increases Strength and Stamina

STRETCHING

• Yoga is therapeutic and healing.

• Promotes Flexibility

• It Keeps You Fit

• Promotes Good Sleep

• Strengthens the Immune System

• Heals Aches and Pains

• Promotes Balance and Proper Posture

• Strengthens Muscles

• Reduces Anxiety

• Increases Body Awareness

MEDITATION

According to the Art of Living Meditation, meditation has many wonderful benefits, such as:

• Lowers high blood pressure

• Lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks

• Decreases any tension-related pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems

• Increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior

• Improves the immune system

• Increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy

• Emotional stability improves

• Meditation sharpens the mind by gaining focus and expands through relaxation

MESSAGE

• Manages Anxiety And Depression

• It eases Muscle Pain

• Improves Sleep

• Boosts Immunity

• Reduces PMS Discomfort

• Raises Alertness

• Relieves Headaches

• Flushes Toxins in Muscles

• Reduces Inflammation

DETOX

• Boosts Your Energy

• Promotes a Healthy Digestive System

• Rids the Body of Any Excess Waste

• Helps with Weight Loss

• Reduces Cravings

• Improves Immune System

• Reduces Migraines

• Improves Skin Complexion

• Increases Mental Clarity

• Promotes Fresh Breath

• Promotes Better Sleep

EAT THE RIGHT FOODS

• Berries – They are natural antioxidants

• Vitamin C-Rich Foods - Regulates and prevents high levels of the body's stress hormone, cortisol.

• Complex Carbs – Promotes the brain’s production of serotonin.

• Fish - Helps reduce inflammation and anxiety.

• Avocado and Banana – Contains potassium and vital minerals to keep blood pressure low.

• Swiss Chard - The magnesium in in this veggie helps balance the body's stress hormone, cortisol.

• Fatty Fish - The omega-3 fats in fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna manage adrenaline levels.

• Organic Milk - Get more B vitamins, protein, vitamin D and bone-building calcium to relieve tense muscles.

• Nuts - Almonds, pistachios and walnuts - Can boost your immune system with vitamins and zinc.

• Dark Chocolate - May lower levels of stress hormones and due to its sugar content it releases mood-improving serotonin. However, quantity control is key; keep it under 1oz. per serving. (eat seldom)

Sources: WebMD; MedicineNet.com; HelpGuide.org; Harvard Health Publication; Spark People; Self; Yoga Journal; The Art of Living; Best Health; Bembu