What is stress?

The human body doesn't differentiate been small and large stresses. Your body also doesn't know the difference between stress from positive life events, eustress, or stress from unwanted or negative life events, distress. To the body, stress is stress. However,our body does require a certain amount of stress to function properly.

We are always headed toward a state of equilibrium, balance and homeostasis. But we require continuous stimulation of all of our senses for healthy functioning.Infants and young children brought up in orphanages who receive very little stimulation become mentally retarded. If the lack of stimulation is severe enough they actually become depressed, despondent and die. Elderly people also wither away and die from lack of stress and stimulation.

Lack of stress leads to lethargy, boredom, lowered immune response and even death.However, excess and non-ceasing stress can also play havoc with our health and well-being. Our body, just like all forms of nature, requires periods of stress and growth and expansion as well as times of rest, breaking down, elimination and relaxation. When we are in a state of constant stress, an alarm state that doesn't quite end, our adrenal system becomes exhausted and our disease fighting immune system works less efficiently.

How do you know when you are stressed?

Your body functions by responding and adjusting to all sorts of stressors. You can be so physically stressed so often that you don't even realize it. The effects of stress upon your entire life can take many different forms depending upon your unique personality type and your current life circumstances.

Signs and symptoms of stress might include tense and painful muscles and joints, erratic moods, irritability, lack of patience, inability to sleep, worrisome thoughts repeating in your brain, anger, depression, anxiety, cloudy thinking, insecurity, self-doubt or the need to make demands and control others.

What are some healthy ways you can choose to respond to stress?

1. Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions.
2. Observe your physical sensations in the moment.
3. Learn ways to stop whatever you are doing and relax, even briefly.
4. Stop taking everything so personally.
5. Be in the present moment, not focused on the past or future.
6. Think optimistic, uplifting, and positive thoughts.
7. Imagine the way you want to feel right now.
8. Keep focusing on what you want, not what you don't want.
9. Remember to take slow, easy, full and rhythmic breaths.
10. Take five minute breaks to de-stress.
11. Talk about what is in your mind without letting feelings get bottled up.
12. Spend time away from whatever or whoever is causing you stress.
13. Find leisurely activities that take your mind away from what bothers you.
14. Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal.

If all else fails, take a few moments to be grateful for what you do have instead of worrying and being upset about what you don't have. Gratitude is the most powerful aphrodisiac, stress reliever and purveyor of happiness than any other trait, belief or material possession.

What are you grateful for today, right here, right now, in this very moment?