Overcoming Stress

Stress. It has been shown to be the root cause of numerous illnesses and diseases, not to mention the fact that it can make life miserable. It has a negative effect on both the body and the mind. It somehow seems unavoidable, however, since we can't control the things that happen to us in life, can we?

While you can't control what happens in your life, you can control your response to those events. It is your interpretation of the events in your life and your response to them that determines your stress level and not the events themselves. If you lose your job and then constantly worry over how you are going to make ends meet and tell yourself that your chances of getting a new job are slim, you will find yourself very stressed. On the other hand, if you choose to look at it as an opportunity, using your free time after send out resumes to pursue activities you usually don't have time for, you might just end up feeling happier than ever.

Of course there are times when you will still feel stressed and just won't be able to "think" yourself out of it. Gentle stretching exercises, reading a good book, taking a bubble bath or going for a long walk are some examples of ways you can relieve stress and get yourself back on track. Managing your stress levels is an important part of keeping yourself healthy both mentally and physically.