Stress Diseases Affect Health, Part 3

We cannot just do much to alter external events that raise our stress levels, like occupational or work stress, family problems, financial difficulties, and relationship complications. But we can change the way we react or deal with them. Some problems will be more disturbing to us than to others, depending on our personality and personal circumstances.

Actually, we can manage stress, either positively or negatively. Exercise is positive; smoking is not. There are, however, stressors beyond our control, such as death in the family, separation, divorce, or losing one's job. In such cases, it's our attitude that can solve these problems. Instead of being overwhelmed by them, we can choose our action by standing for hope and optimism.

Take the example of a housewife whose husband had left her for another woman. She might feel unloved and worthless, but this is a negative reaction that only adds to her miseries. The better option is to examine her failed marriage and the reason her husband abandoned her.

Here are some thoughts to consider about stress:

• Stress is inevitable, even normal, so long as it does not overwhelm us.
• Stress is not necessarily bad as our ability to cope with it.
• What is stressful for one person may not necessarily be to another.
• It is not what happens to us from the outside--which we have no full control--but how we react to such a stressor that can affect us negatively.

Ten health tips to help us overcome stress:

• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
• Take a vitamin-mineral-antioxidant supplement.
• Drink enough pure water (aim for 10-12 glasses of water daily).
• Exercise regularly (walking, aerobics, yoga, stretching, etc.).
• Breathe deeply (to relax).
• Sunbath (before 8:30 am, but not more than 10 minutes to prevent overexposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays).
• Listen to relaxing music.
• Read (spiritual, inspirational or motivational books).
• Sleep (8 hours every night to lessen stress).
• Laugh (remember: "Laughter is the best medicine.").