Stress is not unusual or abnormal. It’s an everyday occurrence that your body reacts to in either a positive or negative manner. It’s basically the preparation of your body to physically move. Your heart rate increases and your breathing quickens in anticipation of muscular activity.  Stress can be a very motivating factor. It allows you to accomplish tasks and set goals and see them through to completion.

Good stress, also called eustress, is caused by the release of chemicals such as adrenalin, endorphin, serotonin and dopamine which are produced in your body and act as natural anti-depressants and pain-relievers.

However, if you don’t use up the adrenalin that gets pumped through your system in response to stress, sooner or later it will physically manifest itself in such negative conditions as muscle tension, headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is estimated that 75% to 85% of all medical problems are related to stress.

How can you get rid of the adrenaline build-up?

Stretch and exercise – When you are feeling frustrated or anxious, engage in some form of physical activity. This uses up the adrenaline that’s going through your bloodstream before it negatively affects your health.

Laugh – Laughing reduces the level of stress hormones. It also triggers the release of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.

Prioritize! Not everything needs to be taken care of right now. Recognize the difference between what is urgent and what is important.

Simplify your life – Learn to say “no” and accept help when it’s offered or ask for help if you feel overwhelmed.

Get a massage – the clinically-proven benefits of massage include muscle tension relief, stress relief, increased circulation, better sleep and decreased anxiety and depression.

Just some simple, easy techniques can lead to a better, healthier and stress-free you!