Stress can cause physical symptoms as well. Headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and digestive problems can often be attributed to stress.

At one point in life or another almost everyone becomes overwhelmed or has difficulty with stress. Everyday challenges of life, work, family and home responsibilities can often become overwhelming and lead to stress. The impact of stress can be seen in a myriad of ways. There are some short-term positive affects related to one type of stress that can help us to finish a project, meet an important deadline or to compete or perform physical activity. Most stress however has a negative impact and manifests itself in several ways affecting overall health of both the mind and body.

Often times daily pressures or worries mount and lead to changes in thoughts or behaviors that may not be immediately recognized as stress related. One may become short tempered or irritable and argue with a spouse, children or co-workers. Feelings of anxiety or depression may make it difficult for one to get up and have the energy or motivation to function in daily activities. Stress can cause physical symptoms as well. Headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and digestive problems can often be attributed to stress. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and to take action to prevent long-term damage from the affects of stress on physical and mental health.

There are several things that one can do for oneself. Just as stress can affect both the mind and body, the mind and body can work together to overcome and prevent damage from stress. There are many easy, safe, natural and effective ways to do just that.

The first thing to do is just breathe. Taking slow, deep breaths of fresh air helps relax the body and clear the mind. Take a walk outside, find a quiet spot and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while taking in deep cleansing breaths of fresh air. Take a few moments of silence, turn off the TV, radio, computer, phones for a few minutes every day, these noises, sounds and bad news that are received can be a source of stress, taking a break from them can help to relieve it. Calm the mind, or meditate. Sit in a comfortable position, eyes closed and take deep breaths, paying attention to the natural rise and fall of the chest and the number of breaths. Sleep. If one does not get enough sleep and the body and mind are not well rested it is difficult to cope with stressful situations. Go to bed a little earlier. Take a short nap. Exercise. Regular exercise helps to dissipate stress by ridding the body of the excess energy caused by stress. Practice muscle relaxation. This can be achieved by focusing on one or a set of muscles in different parts of the body and tensing them up and releasing. Try a change in attitude. Look at problems as a means of opportunity, be the source of the solution. Don’t forget humor, it has been said often and by many that laughter is the best medicine. These are just a few of the quick and easy things one can do to naturally reduce stress.

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