Stress

According to the book
25 Natural Ways to Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout: A Mind-Body Approach to Health and Well-Being by James Scala, ISBN 0658007009 , the negative ways people cope with stress often leads to disease. 

Some people cope by smoking, drinking alcohol or overeating. All these are detrimental to the health in the long run.

Extreme emotional stress can raise your blood pressure. Extreme stress can raise your blood sugar level (think diabetes) and raise your pulse rate. These increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

So how should you cope with stress?

Stress diary

	Keep a stress diary.
	Each day, write down the specifically why you are bored or stressed.
	Write down the effect of the stress.
	Try to identify the problem.
	Think of realistic solutions to that problem.

	What is most important to you?
	What do you really want from life?
	Plan your days accordingly to reach your main priority.

	Set goals you can actually achieve
	Base these goals on your strengths.
	Be realistic in terms of your weaknesses.
	A lot of stress could be due to aiming for unrealistic goals.

	Our dealings with others can cause a lot of stress. Here's how to reduce that stress.
	Compliment others.
	Try to see the positive side of people
	Ask questions to clarify matters
	Listen to what others are saying.

	We often stress ourselves our. By pushing ourselves unnecessarily, we stress ourselves more than necessary.
	Learn to relax.
	Try not to be so competitive.
	Take time to appreciate things around you.

	Look at the hidden opportunity when problems arise.
	Retrenched? Look at is as an opportunity to travel, or to start your own business, or to further your studies, or to spend more time with your family.

	Anger is stressful to all parties.
	Instead of reacting in anger, think of the funny side of things and laugh it off.
	Tell yourself it is not worth getting angry about.

	Sing to let off steam.
	After a particularly stressful day, go to a Karaoke, or have a sing along session with your friends.
	Belt out your favourite songs. Put in all your emotions and frustration into your singing.

	Go for a run.
	Put on your jogging shoes, some comfortable clothes and run around your neighbourhood (if it is safe).
	Avoid dark secluded areas and run with some friends if possible.

	Have a good laugh.
	Call up a funny friend and joke over the phone.

	Try using essential oils to reduce Stress.
	Treat yourself to The chamomile Spa
	If you are too stressed to sleep, try Home Spa for insomniacs