Stress is our reaction to any stimulus (physical, mental, or emotional -- internal
or external), that tends to upset us. When the reactions are inappropriate, they can
lead to health problems. The diseases most often connected to a stressful
environment are heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.

Additionally, doctors are seeing increasing incidents of stress as being connected to
other conditions such as asthma, allergies, migraines, ulcers, bowel and skin problems.
In fact, 75-90% of all visits to the doctor are related to stress.

To deal with stress effectively, identify your sources of stress, either within yourself or
your environment, and then plan strategies for coping.

Ideas to help you relieve stress:

1. Rise early - reserve an hour before the family wakes to get organized for the day.

2. Share your workload with family and co-workers.

3. Take breaks in the day - even just 10 minutes - to clear your head and catch your
breath.

4. Set aside time to exercise.

5. Don't take on too much at once.

6. Give yourself permission to be imperfect.

7. Learn to say "no".

8. Eliminate clutter from your life.

9. Relax with some music occasionally.

10. Develop a forgiving attitude.

Try one of these also to remedy Stress;

Exercise

Physical exercise of any type aids in stress release. Regular participation in exercise activities provides a natural way to release accumulated tension in the body and it also leads to an automatic state of relaxation that naturally follows after a good
workout. Stretching, especially, is a natural stress reliever. Properly stretching the muscles has numerous benefits, among them the achievement of a relaxed and peaceful state of mind.

Yoga

Although it has taken many years for this ancient art form to be recognised world-wide, recently much attention has been given to Yoga due to its various health and fitness benefits. Yoga is believed to be one of the most effective and wholesome forms of
exercise, not only for the body but also for the relaxation of mind.

The Pilates Method

A popular mind-body conditioning method developed by Joseph Pilates. It combines Eastern and Western philosophies of physical and mental development and aims to promote neuro-muscular harmony, balance and co-ordination, while
increasing strength and flexibility. The mostly full range of motion exercises can be done with or without special equipment and each movement is executed according to six basic principles: control, concentration, centering, focus, precision and breathing.
The particpant is encouraged to master the mind in order to gain complete control over the body.

Relaxation Techniques

A variety of relaxation methods used in mind-body activities and therapies, including Controlled Respiration (Breathing), Autogenic Training, Systematic Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation.

Scientists often refer to the end result of these relaxation processes as the ‘relaxation response’. The most commonly used relaxation technique is controlled breathing, which is widely regarded as the foundation of relaxation and stress management.

Meditation

Meditation has been practised by people in religious contexts for thousands of years, but it has also gained much scientific evidence in modern times. Unlike hypnosis, which is more of a passive experience, meditation is considered to be an active
process in which the participant is mentally alert, while physically relaxed and the body passive. This mind-focusing technique is particularly useful in managing stress, as well as after physical activity.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

This field of practice attempts to change negative thought patterns and dysfunctional attitudes in order to promote healthy and well-adjusted thoughts, emotions, and actions. This form of therapy usually has four basic components: education, learning
new skills, rehearsal, and generalisation and maintenance. Relaxation techniques are frequently included as a behavioural skills component.

The Feldenkrais Method

A somatic learning method developed by Moshe Feldenkrais. It focuses on the learning of new movement skills and its integration into daily life. The brain is taught to make sensory distinctions and improve functional movement patterns. Unlike conventional
exercise, it is not directed at the muscles or body as such, but rather focuses on mental development and increased neuro-muscular body awareness. It combines movement
education, gentle touching and verbal feedback to create more efficient movement.

The Alexander Technique

A method developed by F. Matthias Alexander, an actor who created the method for his personal use after discovering that his poor posture was responsible for his chronic voice loss on stage. The technique uses gentle touch and verbal guidance to teach
participants simple, efficient ways of moving. The aim is to improve balance, posture, and co-ordination and to relieve tension and pain. Participants are taught to identify and eliminate movement habits that interfere with the natural balance and ease of the body. It is an educational process that focuses on changing he way a person thinks about and performs their activities and improving the way the activities are done.

Martial Arts

These disciplines are often better known as a methods of self-defence or combat. However, they are also beneficial in the development of physical fitness, as well as to promote mental and spiritual development. Theses highly disciplined activities are aim
to unite body and mind and bring balance to the participant’s life. The external disciplines, such as Karate and Judo, usually emphasise muscular strength, power, agility and endurance, while the internal methods, such as Tai Chi Chuan and Aikido, are
aimed at relaxation and mental focus.