Many of us stuffer with stress, some of us more than others. However, few of us are really aware that stress impacts our health. Fear not though, there are simple steps you can take to help better manage it.

Usually associated with the physical and mental side-effects of a busy lifestyle, stress is rampant during times such as this. For many people a bad economy is at the root of money worries, leading to high anxiety. During periods of stress, the body generates chemicals called cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. High levels of these hormones can  raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and make you sweat more. In addition to this, too much cortisol circulating in the body can lead to weight gain. Excessive amounts of cortisol releases fat and sugar into your bloodstream and even prevents the immune system from functioning properly.

So how do you recognize when your stress level may be too high?

Symptoms

• Feeling excessive guilt when you’re relaxing, and not always staying busy
• Having trouble getting to sleep
• Finding it hard to concentrate
• Experiencing an unusually high level of sensitivity
• Tension in your body
• Indigestion, loss of appetite or eating purely for comfort

Management

Making some simple lifestyle changes should help ease many of the symptoms associated with stress. If however, you are experiencing stress or anxiety that is a real cause for concern, you should always talk to your doctor.

• Take things one step at a time. It’s ok to say no when demands are too high.
• Talk to someone who is positive and will offer you useful advice.
• Let out your frustration in a healthy way. Try shouting out load, screaming or even hitting a pillow!
• Use relaxation techniques such as yoga to help calm your body and mind.
• Become physically active. Exercise releases endorphins into your blood stream, giving you a feeling of happiness and improved sense of well-being.
• Take time out from your usual daily routine. Socialize with friends or take time to be at one with yourself.