A biofeedback device allows you to monitor you stress reduction progress.  Learn to manage the triggers that induce high blood pressure.

Your health depends upon what you eat -- And --  what is eating you. Most people are confronting stress on a daily basis.  Daily irritating events can  make us feel irritable and tense. Since Sept. 11, 2001 we must deal with ordinary stressors and the possibility of International terrorist activities that may threaten lives and well being.

Some psychologists state that 80 to 90% of all disease is stress-related.  Millions of people suffer from stress related illnesses and excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs. Mind machines and biofeedback devices help you learn to control stress in safer, saner, and healthier way. Diseases such as ulcers, hypertension, heart, and circulatory disorders are stress related.

Walter B. Cannon published the first medical study on stress in 1896.   He used a fluoroscope, an x-ray like device, to explore the digestive system of dogs. When the dogs were under stress he noticed that the digestive system did not function properly. Later studies revealed that a hormone, cortisol, is released by the adrenal gland during periods of stress.  Cortisol helps provide the nutrients your body needs to manage stress. While cortisol is critical to survival, too much cortisol is a health hazard.  Continual stress can have a negative impact on your health.

Modern research identifies chronically elevated levels of cortisol with blood sugar problems, fat accumulation, compromised immune function, exhaustion, bone loss, heart disease, and memory loss. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can even stop a woman from ovulating and may lead to infertility. Stress may exacerbate PMS symptoms, and contribute to osteoporosis.

Minor symptoms of stress related symptoms:  headaches, stomach aches, mild depression, and anxiety should not be ignored. Start today to learn to reduce your stress and better manage your physical and emotional health.   Prolonged stress is a clear and present danger to your health.  Signs and symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder is becoming more common. 

Stress also diminishes the quality of life by reducing feelings of pleasure and accomplishment. Camouflaging symptoms of stress with alcohol and drugs may deprive you of the signals you need to act upon to maintain optimal health.   You can reduce stress by shortening your exposure to stressful situations - take a break or leave the situation that is causing the stress. Some situations we can't easily walk away from.  Developing appropriate coping mechanisms is important to attitudinal and behavioral changes in stress management.  Managed stress makes life tolerable - mismanaged stress is disastrous to your health and is potentially deadly. There is a far higher probability of dying from a stress related illness than a terrorist attack.

Reinhold Neibuhr, a theologian, puts coping with stress in perspective:

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference...".

Plan your life so stress does not overwhelm you. Recognize what you can and cannot change.  Most of all understand why you have the need to change or control a person or event.  How often have you fought with your computer???

Stress Management Tools

Physical exercise helps us cope with stress.  Physically fit people are better able to handle stress. Their immune system works at its maximum capacity.  Take a hike, jump in a lake and swim, ride a bike, dance, do yoga - do some sort of fun body movement on a regular basis.   Stress management also includes relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and prayer.

Take breaks and enjoy some leisure time with people you enjoy.

Expect some failures and frustrations as part of your life experience.

Laugh

Get sufficient rest and adequate sleep.

Enjoy fresh air, sunlight, and wholesome foods.

Turn to healthy serotonin-producing foods during times of high stress- preferably complex carbohydrates.

Stress reduces the body’s immune system, therefore vitamin supplementation can be helpful in counteracting the depletion.

Herbs known as adaptogens promote stress relief. Kava Kava, Chamomile, Valerian Root, Skullcap, Passion Flower, and Lavender promote relaxation without side effects.

Most Important, Be kind and gentle to yourself and others.   Stress Management 101.