With modern day life so full of frustrations, deadlines and exams many of us do not realise how stressed we are.

The body's nervous system is often unable to distinguish between daily stressors and life threatening events.  Repeatedly experiencing the fight or flight stress responce is referred to as chronic stress.  Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body.  It can shut down your immune system, upset your digestive system, raise blood pressure, increase the rissk of heart attacks and strokes and speed up the aging process.

Each person has a different resilience to stress however there are steps you can take to improve your tolerance and health.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can lift your mood and serve as a distraction to your worries, allowing you to find some quiet time and break free of the negative cycle that feeds stress and anxiety.  Activities that require moving both your arms and legs are particularly effective at managing stress.  Rhythmic exercises such as walking, running, swimming and dancing require us to exercise mindfully.  Mindful exercise can help you to become 'unstuck' and move on from the immobilisation stress responce.

Sleep

Feeling tired can increase stress by causing you to think irrationally.  Scientists recommend all adults should have a minimum of 8 hours sleep per night.  

Diet

The food you eat can either improve or worsen your mood and ability to cope with life's stressors.  Processed and convinence food, refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks can worsen symptoms of stress.  A diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables and high quality protein can help you better cope with life's ups and downs.

Massage

Sometimes our muscles become "blocked" by stress and forget how to switch off.  Massage can assisst clearing tension and unlocking your muscles.