It is not at all possible to get rid of stress from our life, but we need to know how can we (especially the negative stress) manage it and how can we have control over our lives to adjust to it. Modern lifestyle and stress walk together -- which kills us slowly. It ties us up in knots and this is nothing but "wear and tear" of both our mental and physical health. During stress, our body gears up and there are secretions of extra stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol) -- the heart pumps faster and blood pressure rises, breathing quickens and sometimes we sweat more. Although short and light stress causes more glucose to be delivered to the brain, which makes more energy available to neurons, but prolonged stress can obstruct the glucose delivery and disrupt memory. Threshold levels of stress varies from man to man; it causes exhaustion, loss of or increased appetite, palpitations, headaches, crying, breathing difficulties, digestion slows insomnia or sleeplessness. Most vitally, if stress is putting someone in and out of control situation, seek professional help from a psychiatrist. To manage unhealthy stress we need to learn and understand four things -calmness, clear thoughts, self confidence and contentment.

Tips for Stress Management

1. Right of Way: Try to prioritize the most important things. One of the main reasons for stress is overcommitment to a lot of things which are not that important. Plan ahead in the morning what you must do today. Try to find out what's bothering you most, try to concentrate on that in a fruitful manner. Take out some time every day to close your eyes and organize your plans. Take an extra 5 minutes in the washroom or sit quietly and gather your thoughts before meeting someone special. Think about your own behaviour and compare with someone whom you admire. Utilize your mental TV channels which are full of hope and harmony. Try to read and watch something that will make you alive.

2. Take a Deep Breath: During stress, you may be holding your breath in your subconscious mind! Shallow breathing puts less oxygen in the blood stream, producing an increase in muscle strain. Breathe deeply and try to inhale enough so that your lower abdomen rises and falls. But when things become very difficult, take a walk or else change your surroundings. According to

scientists, natural light exposure, especially in the morning, increases level of serotonin (regulates temper) in the brain. Most importantly, do not overwork yourself. Resist the temptation to schedule things back-to-back. All too often we underestimate how long things will take.

3. Express Yourself: Do not "bottle up" emotions. Try to share your feelings with someone -sometimes it could be your spouse, sometimes may be friends, colleagues, religious leader, or even your boss or teacher. Talking with someone is a useful tool that can help clear the stressful mind so that one can focus on problem solving. A good way to manage stress is to seek out activities involving friends. A good cry during stress can be a healthy way to bring relief sometimes to your anxiety, and it might keep away from headache.

4. Physical Comfort and Involvement: Wear comfortable clothing which you also like. Use sunglasses when you go out. Use comfortable chairs and other furniture. Try to stay in and use tastefully decorated clean rooms including washrooms. Physical activity is important for precluding the effects of stress. You can release the pressure of stress through exercise or physical activity. As we know, when stress appears, extra stress hormones are secreted. Try to find some physical activity you enjoy and make regular time for it -it could be in front of television. Eating healthy food and proper rest or sleep are important weapons in dealing with stressful situations.

5. Most Importantly, Know Your Limits: Judge this world as an imperfect one. It would be very stressful when you try to manage people over whom you have little power; especially when it is related to behaviour of others. Be intelligent and don't be anxious regarding situations you cannot change. Know your limits and wait at least for 1015 minutes before you commit to anything. If you face a problem which you cannot change, learn to accept -- be smart at that moment -- consider compromise rather than confrontation, keeping in mind about changing things in the near future. In fact, sometimes giving rather than taking reduces the strain and helps you feel more comfortable. It is nice if you can develop a nature of ignoring negative things of others. And, remember, you may not always be right. And try to do something every week for others, especially those who have less.