Every day we encounter stress that, over time, can take its toll on our health and wellbeing. Work deadlines, paying bills, family demands, sickness, traffic jams... Stress is a part of modern life - we cannot escape it. Generally, a small amount of stress can actually be good for us. Stress can help motivate us and can help us achieve things. Stress only becomes a problem when it continues for an extended period.

Stress is the body's way of responding to any kind of change or demand. It can be caused by both positive and negative events. When we face an acutely stressful situation our body deals with it through a coping mechanism known as the "Fight or Flight" response. The sympathetic nervous system mediates the "Fight or Flight" response; when our sympathetic nervous system is activated it releases stress hormones such as adrenaline.

Long term stress can affect both your body and your mind. People under significant stress can become tired, sick and unable to think clearly. It is important to realise that everyone reacts to stress differently. These can include:

• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Muscle Tension
• Poor sleep or insomnia
• Sadness
• Mental fatigue
• Feeling flat or tired

"It is estimated that every day, 43% of adults will feel stressed."

Stress Busters:

• Concentrate on increasing the activities in your life you enjoy.
• Learn to think of challenges as opportunities and stressors as temporary problems, not disasters.
• Make goals and keep track of your progress. Let stress motivate you to reach your goals.
• Make time for relaxation and meditation.