Stress, it's a word often spoken of, but generally misunderstood. Why do we seem to have such a big problem coping with it in our lives now? What does it do to us? What can we do to help reduce or alleviate it?

 

There is good and bad stress. Exercise is an example of good stress. When you put your body through a challenging workout, it's stressful on your heart and lungs, your muscles and connective tissues. With enough rest, hydration and proper nutrition, the body gets stronger dealing with that stress. But that's not the kind of stress we're talking about here. We're talking about the kind of stress that wears you down, makes you feel tired, anxious and depressed. 

 

Here's a simple explanation of why stress is listed as a risk for heart disease. When you're exercising, your body releases fat into the bloodstream, to be used for energy. When you're stuck in traffic, or stressed at work, the same physiological response occurs. Your body releases fat into the bloodstream. But since you're sedentary, the fat is carried, in the blood, back to the heart. This causes the buildup of plaque in your blood vessels, around your heart. Stress causes negative hormone release that leads to that heart risk, or feelings of negativity and depression.

 

Why do we seem to have such a tough time coping with stress now? There are many reasons- people's lives have never been busier, people are worried about a weak economy and their job status. Due to people's busier lives, they don't make time to exercise and eat better.​

 

Explore the solutions on this page to learn how to help reduce and alleviate your stress.