Stress is the condition that results when person-environment transactions lead the individual to perceive a discrepancy, whether real or not, between the demands of a situation and the resources of the person's biological, psychological or social systems.

Stress is inherent in our way of life and is part of the human condition. What is important is how we react to it. Reacting with anger, fear, depression, and anxiety without release of the tension can result in illness, either directly or indirectly. Symptoms include muscle tension, high blood pressure, psychological problems, digestive disorders, a weakened immune system, cancer, and heart disease.
When the mind perceives a threat, whether real or imagined, the brain instantly and automatically
evaluates the situation. Then the subconscious begins to prepare the body for a response. The sympathetic system causes the blood to flow to the muscles, the muscles and blood vessels constrict, and the body is flooded with hormones from the pituitary and adrenal glands. Heart rate increases and oxygen consumption accelerates.
Production of digestive juices is reduced and blood sugar levels increase as the liver releases glucose into the bloodstream. This process becomes harmful when it remains a perpetual state with few periods of full relaxation or full release of the tension. After years pass, many illnesses can develop, including an artery spasm that can result in a heart attack. Stress is caused mainly by emotional or psychological
situations. The mind affects the body and vice versa; if the mind is agitated or worried, the body will be tense. If the body is tense, the mind will be in a high state of vigilance. Eventually, resources like hormones and chemicals become depleted, the body gets tired of adapting to the stressful situation, organs become exhausted and functioning collapses. Only when the mind and body are in a state of calm can energies be directed toward repair, maintenance, and strengthening of the body and the immune system.
Physical exercise oxygenates body tissues, dissipates stress hormones, and relieves tension. Hormones called endorphins are produced and give a sense of well-being. The result of regular
exercise is a slower heart rate, lowered blood pressure, a normal functioning respiratory system, and relaxed muscles. During stress, breathing becomes shallow and rapid. Because oxygen is necessary for the metabolism of every cell in the body, it affects the functioning of the autonomic nervous system which regulates automatic functions like heart rate, respiration, and digestion. Proper breath control stabilizes and strengthens the tone of the nervous system. Deep breathing uses the full capacity of the
diaphragm, a muscle located below the lungs that contracts when breathing in and allows the lungs to expand with air. Shallow breathing only involves the upper lobes of the lungs. This leaves over a million alveoli, the tiny sacs that absorb oxygen which is then transported by the hemoglobin of the blood to all the cells of the body, empty.

The consequence is that the cellular structure does not receive enough oxygen to carry out its work. There are various deep breathing methods but basically the idea is to take a slow deep breath through the nostrils, hold to the count of 7, then exhale through the mouth to the count of 8 or 10 and repeat three more times. This can be practiced several times a day.

Stress Your Life

We've long known that middle-aged men are much more likely than women to have high blood pressure--about 36 percent of men versus 23 percent of women between the ages of 45 and 54. And, since high blood pressure can lead to stroke, it's not surprising that many more men die over from these "brain attacks”. The explanation for this difference between the sexes has been lifestyle. Men are more likely to smoke, be overweight, drink alcohol, and avoid exercise--all risk factors for high blood pressure. Undoubtedly, poor health habits account for much of the difference.

Traffic Jam Anxiety

In this day and age, the average person spends a significantly large amount of time in his car. And with the ever-increasing number of cars on the road, we spend an even larger amount of time stuck in traffic jams. However, you can follow these tips to spend less time stressing out while stranded in the middle of a highway. By getting up 15 minutes earlier in the morning every day, you can reduce the pressure by avoiding the morning rush hour. Another tip is to stick to the right lane on the freeway. The minute or two gained by aggressive driving isn't worth the stress.

Work Place Worries

Now that you have arrived at work early and in a relaxed mood, take the time to review long-term plans because stress lies in the moment-by-moment pressures. If you feel the stress piling up during your workday, breathe in and out four times very slowly to clear your mind. During lunchtime, it is important to get away from the office and exercise. Make it a goal to walk around during your break or even follow a simple and short workout routine. Exercise release endorphins into your blood stream, which are pleasure inducing chemicals that are also discharged during sex.

Be Positive

Stress is also related to the past. Keep in mind that mistakes happen, and the only thing that you can change about the past is your attitude towards it. Another thing that can keep your stress level low is to keep smiling. Even a superficial smile is a great start towards a happy day according to research. Having regular sex is also helpful in keeping happy.
It is also important to set some time aside to indulge yourself. Whether it be taking a nap, or allowing yourself an occasional piece of cake, spending time on yourself can make you feel great and happy.

However, it is crucial not to eat for relief all the time. Eating is a relief for stress, and stress can be a result of over-eating. So, be very careful not to start this vicious cycle. While taking the time out for yourself can be beneficial, doing things for others can also improve your life. Volunteering for others pushes your own troubles away, and can give you a greater perspective on life. Finally, and most importantly, setting time aside for your friends and family can be a great way to feel great. There is no better thing than being with loved ones and enjoying activities with them. Also, keep all the things in your life in perspective.

Try to follow all these tips for better mental and physical health. This is a great guide for a happier, healthier, and longer life.