The Stress Response
The stress response occurs when a person is confronted with danger or demand from the environment. The stress reaction is a response of the nervous system.

In essence, a stress response occurs when there is a perception of danger, demand or threat. The body and nervous system spring into an emergency mode. The adrenal glands release adrenaline. Heart rate and blood pressure increase. Digestion slows. The brain releases endorphins which act as pain killers.

With a major stressor, this wired-in emergency response automatically happens. This protective, survival response is sometimes referred to as the "fight or flight response." The phrase means that the body is geared up into a high state of activation prepared to fight against the threat or to flee from it.

The problem with this response is that if danger is perceived constantly or if a high level of demand is unending from the environment, then this response keeps being triggered and prolonged. Having the body in this hyper alert state over prolonged periods of time can lead to problems emotionally and physically.

Why Manage Stress?
Experiencing stress over prolonged periods of time can lead to detrimental consequences. Chronic stress can be harmful physically to general health, to a sense of well-being, and can set the stage for stress-related problems, such as headaches, allergic reactions, sleeping problems, nervousness, anxiety, aches and pains, and depression, heart problems.

Prolonged stress can overtax the body which can result in lowering resistance and depressing the action of the immune system. The result is an increased risk of a major disease, cancer, stroke or heart disease.

When people try to manage stress on their own, they increase their use of drugs and alcohol. Smokers increase their smoking. Just at the time when the healthiest habits are important to follow, under stress, many individuals skip meals, or eat high sugar and fat diets.

The consequences of people managing their own stress is all too frequently anxiety, depression, burnout, and drug and alcohol problems.

The Solution: Effective Stress Management
Stress management offers a real solution to living in our stressful world. The good news is that good information about how to recognize signs of stress and steps to take to respond in healthy ways to stress is available.

Developing awareness of your stress symptoms and the stressors in your life is interesting and has the payoff of being healthier, happier and more productive.

Take the time to develop this awareness and to learn methods for reducing stress. Stress management can improve health, relationships, and performance at work and in school.

To have a real vacation from stress take the time to learn and practice methods of stress reduction. Stress management allows you to live in a stressful time and be healthy and relaxed, and productive.