Stress is the physical and mental response of the body to demands made upon it. It is the result of our reaction to outside events, not necessarily the events themselves. Not all stress is bad. We each function best and feel best at our own optimal level of physiological arousal. We need some stress to get everyday things done. Too little can lead to boredom and "rust out" - but too much can produce "burn out". Adaptive stress helps us rise to life's challenges. Adrenaline, nor-adrenaline and glucose flow into our blood: we get a buzz of energy and feel alert, focused, and creative. Negative stress occurs when our ability to cope with life's demands crumbles. If we don't break down the stress chemicals (e.g. through physical activity) they stay in the blood, preventing us from relaxing. Eventually this results in a permanent state of stress. That initial buzz turns to worry, irritability or panic. Challenges become threats; we doubt our ability to do even simple things and problems appear insurmountable.

In fact we worry too much on the start of our day whether we are wearing the right clothes for our school report or first day at job and even whether or not our landau scrub tops are already pressed and very clean. On the other hand, the stress makes us work best by being perfectionist with our work and trying to give the best in everything that we do.

If we think about the causes of stress, the nature of the stress response, and the negative effects of some types of stress (prolonged, unexpected, unmanageable), several healthy management strategies become clear. This is very important so that you can maintain a healthy balance in yourself. First, exercise. You see, since the stress response prepares us to fight or flee, our bodies are primed for action. Unfortunately, however, we usually handle our stresses while sitting at our desk, standing at the water cooler, or behind the wheel stuck in traffic. Exercise on a regular basis helps to burn off and use up the stress hormones and neuro chemicals. Thus, exercise can help avoid the damage to our health that prolonged stress can cause. In fact, studies have found that exercise is a potent anti-depressant (combats anxiety), and sleeping pill for many people, without taking any pills. So if you are feeling tired and moody, you might be stressing out. Make your landau scrub pants a little bit loose and breathe in some fresh air.

Create predictability in your work and home life as much as possible. Structure and routine in your life can't prevent the unexpected from happening. However, they can provide a comfortable framework from which to respond to the unexpected. Think ahead and try to anticipate the varieties of possibilities, good and bad, that may become realities at work or home. Generate scenarios and response plans. You may find that the "unexpected" really doesn't always come out of the blue. With this kind of preparation, you can turn stress into a positive force to work for your growth and change.