Shaping a New Generation of Leaders
	Stressed for Success by ZaLonya Allen, PhD     Stress is the most widespread medical problem in America today. It is a major contributing factor in most illnesses like the common cold, high blood pressure, allergies, ulcers, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Stress can be defined as your body's physical, mental and chemical reactions to circumstances that frighten, excite, confuse, endanger, or irritate you. Stress often occurs when we try to do to much, or when we feel as though we are losing control of a situation. Stress is something everyone experiences. It is impossible to avoid stress in daily living. However we can monitor and control the amount of stress we experience in our lives. Contrary to what most people might believe, some stress can be positive, according to many researchers. Stress gets the adrenaline going, it gives us energy and makes us more alert. In fact, some people perform better under stress than when in a relaxed state. However to much stress over a long period of time can wear the body down, resulting in physical and mental illness, therefore it is important that we learn stress management techniques. Here are five simple, yet effective ways to manage stress. One, exercise. According to many researchers exercise is the best way to relieve stress, especially walking and jogging. Exercise loosens up the body, it works tense muscles, and gets the heart and blood pumping. Two, eat healthy well balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Quite often we eat on the run and forget about nutrition. Food provides the body with the nutrients it needs to build up the immune system and fight off illnesses that may result from stress. Three, get organized. Consider a daily planner, PDA or Blackberry if you have not already. Use it to plan your day and note important events. Organize your home and office so that you know exactly where to find everything. It can be extremely stressful when you constantly have to search for things. Four, have a good laugh. Laughter is good medicine. It relaxes the body, reduces tension, and it increases the release of the bodies natural pain killers. Research has shown that ten minutes of laughter is equivalent to two hours of sleep. Finally, get an adequate amount of sleep each night. The body needs time to rest and refuel. Trying to function on little or no sleep is like trying to drive a car on empty. Eventually the car will run out of gas and so will you. Balancing a successful career and personal life can be a challenge and a great source of stress. If you catch colds often, feel tired and run down, get irritable, or feel out of control, you may be experiencing stress. Take a look at your lifestyle and begin utilizing stress management techniques like the ones listed above. For more information on stress management techniques consult your Physician. I believe health should be our number one priority, because after all, what good is success if you are too sick to enjoy it. Copyright 2000.
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