Stress is defined as the body's response to any demand made upon it. Long ago, stress was a matter of survival. Increased pulse, breathing and alertness kept our ancestors alert to dangers. Their bodies' prepared them to run or fight. Today stress results from negative and positive events. A job promotion or graduation from college can be stressful as well as a job loss or a death in the family. Despite the different times, our body's reaction remains the same as the caveman's.

Some of the effects that we experience from stress can include:
* Depression, or feeling really sad about nothing in particular.
* Anxiety, or fear that makes you feel tense or nervous.
* Anger, or a feeling of hostility toward persons or events.
* Panic, or a feeling of losing control.

Symptoms can include panic, sweating, dizziness, breathlessness and palpitations.Stress can motivate us to make changes for the better. Some stress researchers believe that it's not just the stressful event that affects us, but what the event MEANS to us. In other words, while you may perceive a stressful event as a challenge, that very same stressful event could be perceived by another person as his or her undoing.

Stress will always be a part of life. It is important to recognize what is stressful for you, and how you handle stress. Do you notice more aches and pains after a stressful event? This is a clue as to how your body is handling stress. Do you cope with stress by smoking or drinking too much? These are unhealthy behaviors that can increase your risk of stress-related illnesses. Do you cope with stress by running, working out at a gym, or gardening? In moderation, these are healthy behaviors that improve physical fitness and your body's ability to deal with future stressors.

Stress can lower our immune systems leaving us open to catching more infections, colds, and flu. Each of us has to learn not to be our own worst enemy when it comes to handling stress. Recognizing what is personally stressful, learning techniques that can reduce stress, such as relaxation and meditation, is a form of healthy self-preservation.

If you want to learn more about stress, how stress affects you, and what to do to reduce your stress, contact your health care provider, who can refer you to a program. There are a variety of community organizations that can help you with stress management training as well, such as your church or temple, the YMCA/YWCA, Veterans organizations, or your company personnel department. Check your local library for books stress and stress management.

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