Stress causes many damaging effects on our bodies. You have probably heard of cortisol, a hormone that is produced when we are under stress, which promotes our body's storage of fat, meaning that more of the calories that we eat are stored as body fat. Stress causes many other health concerns, including increased risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Stress also causes us to get sick more often, including headaches, migraines, even the common cold. 

Most of us know when we are stressed almost to the breaking point. By then, stress is probably wreaking havoc on our bodies, and we are in danger of poor mental health, or taking our stress out on others, ruining friendships or relationships. If we could notice when we are under smaller levels of stress and deal with it before it becomes overwhelming, we would be happier overall, and our love and social lives would benefit.

So what are the signs that we are stressed? Too often they are subtle and just a part of our daily lives, in our perception. But this is not the case! If you see these symptoms of stress occurring in your life, try to find the cause and handle it as best you can. If you can't, perhaps you could find someone to help you, especially before the problem becomes even greater--chances are that ignoring it will not make it go away!

Signs of Stress:

Emotional Signs:

• anger
• inability to concentrate
• unproductive worry
• sadness
• mood swings

Physical Signs:

• stooped posture
• sweaty palms
• chronic fatigue
• weight gain or loss

Behavioral Signs:

• over-reacting
• acting impulsively
• using alcohol or drugs
• withdrawing from relationships

What are some things you can do to minimize the stressor, once you have identified it? Here are some suggestions:

• Directly try to change the source of stress
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as relaxation yoga, deep breathing or meditation
• Take responsibility for your role in the stressful situation
• Ask for help
• Accept the things you cannot control
• Exercise regularly!

Exercise is one of the best way to fight off the physical effects of stress. Exercise helps burn off the harmful hormones, including cortisol, that we produce in response to stress. Also, exercise generally helps people think more clearly so that they are better able to find solutions to problems. Also, exercise gives us the self-confidence that is sometimes needed to be able to take on a challenging situation. Jacky is happy to help you alter or start your exercise program so that it is as efficient as possible (to save you time by shortening your workouts) and also so that it counteracts the effects of stress as effectively as possible!

Regardless of how you solve it, do the best you can and resolve any issues in your life that are causing you stress. It will do wonders to help you enjoy your life and enhance your quality of living!