Reduce Stress and Live Longer 5 Things You Can Do Today to lessen Stress Effects on Your Health

Did you know that the biggest percentage of stress is due to our thoughts? Somewhere around 90 percent of the stress we experience is fueled by out thoughts. If we can learn to control how exactly we think about situations we are able to immediately reduce our stress levels. But that's much easier said than done for many people. How can you just turn off your thoughts? We all know people who never appear to feel stress. Nothing seems to bother them and often they even seem to seek out stressful situations. If stress is indeed dangerous, what are they doing?

Stress does a number of different things to the body. This can be a natural a reaction to threatening situations. You could have heard about the 'fight or fight' response. This is the response caused by a chemical reaction your body initiates in response to something that the person perceives as threatening. Stress, in a few situations can be beneficial, but today we have been bombarded by things, people, and situations that trigger these chemical reactions. If we can not act on them they act on us. There are several this that you can do to calm the strain triggers and stop that release of stress induced chemicals which may be killing you.

Go for a walk - walking is effective in so many ways we have been still discovering its power. When you 'walk away' from stress, the body is forced to refocus its energies to the muscles being used. This is essentially the 'flight' part of the stress response. Walking away is what your system is telling you to do. When you take a walk, you put time and space between you and the stressful event or situation, you untie those muscles by putting them to work, you even our your breathing and bring a rejuvenating supply of oxygen to your cells. It also can help you let off steam, burn calories, and lower your blood pressure.

Read an excellent novel. Your ideas are one of the most dangerous enemies you have. You thoughts can not only cause new stress, however they can expand on the stress you're already feeling. Mental poison, we all know, can result in depression and increase anxiety. Refocus with an excellent book. Not just one that gets you stirred up over politics or world events, but a good old-fashioned work of fiction that is interesting enough to pull you in and demand your attention. You may be surprised to discover that the problem you have already been worrying about is quickly forgotten as you turn the pages.

Relax with a good soak. Ease tense muscles and soothe the senses with a nice, soaking bath. Pour in the scented bath oils, light some candles, and lean back with an awesome cloth on your own head. Turn your ideas to anything that brings a smile to that person. Think about the tepid to warm water caressing you and easing away all of your tensions. This takes a little work, but it works, otherwise why would so many people spend so much time soaking in a tub?

Play together with your pet. Studies have proven that interaction with pets lower blood circulation pressure and release stress. We don't really know why, exactly, but the simple action of petting your pet seems to instantly calm the stress reaction. A feeling of pleasure and clam begins to seep through you. After all, you pet can sense while you are upset, and we don't desire to upset them. They are family, and perhaps the reason a lot of people have beloved pets is due to what they provide back. Unconditional love, without judgment or conditions. We are able to all work with a little of than occasionally.

LAUGH. Laughter has been proven over and over to be among the finest cures for stress and depression. Laughter really is the best medicine. Laughter forces oxygen into and out from the lungs, lowers blood pressure, and relieves tight muscles. An excellent laugh will leave you feeling cheerful and give you a renewed resolve. After all, if we are able to laugh at something it can not be all that bad. Perhaps that is why some people respond to bad situations with laughter. Laughter that's contagious and erupts at just the right time can be your body and mind fighting against the stress of a predicament.

Choosing one, or several, of the options will allow you to lower your stress. Lowering your stress can reduce the harmful effects on your body, mind and spirit. Stress causes premature aging by increasing wrinkles and worry lines. It has even been proven recently, to be linked to dental problems, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and dementia. Chronic stress is debilitating and any steps you can take in reducing it in your daily life will help make sure you stay at your healthy best and prepared to face those stressful things that simply cannot be avoided.

ADVISORY: I am not just a doctor or health practitioner. My information is based on research for personal improvement and I share that information in the form of this short article. Please see your doctor when you are having any thoughts of depression because of increased stress, or if you have any other symptoms that your body is overly stressed and in need of help. For more information on stress see Science Daily or other resources written and developed by professional medical persons.

I'm Barbara Cagle and for over 20 years I have already been working and playing online. I am a certified teacher and therefore I find that folks are constantly asking how exactly to do ____.

If you are searching for products and services that will help you build your business and improve your life http://www.cagleonline.com can be your one stop resource. Get FREE reports and information, finish your shopping and take a break with interesting articles and information to help keep you on track. You may also download FREE books to read that may help you refocus your energies and tackle stress. People Helping People is what I'm all about. How can I help YOU today?