How Much Stress!

Feel free to print/reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or website as long as you leave all the links in place. Don't modify the content and include the resource box as listed. Please send a note when it is used. Thank you. word count: 375 character width: 60 Title: "How Much Stress?" - by Kathy Thompson healthyu@faceuptoit-youcan.com (c) Kathy Thompson - All Rights Reserved www.faceuptoit-youcan.com "How Much Stress!" Standing in front of the mirror, Jim was getting ready for bed. He was brushing his teeth. In his mid forties, he noticed he was getting a potbelly, and he was slouched. He remembered his day at work. As the head of Human Resources at the local community college, he listened to witnesses who saw Fred, the college business manager slipping checks in his pocket. Jim suspected someone was embezzling money from the college. And it bothered him, because Fred was a good friend. Then at lunch at a restaurant, he was alone thinking about what to do. Janice, a teacher from the college came in and joined him. They enjoy each other's company. And Jim found himself attracted to her. They talked about his oldest daughter, Becky, who broke her leg. Out in the bedroom, Karen was pulling a nightgown over her head. She stared at herself thinking she needed to lose weight. At forty she was still attractive, but getting heavy. She crawled into bed. She remembered her day. The lawn mower, washing machine, and dryer all broke down. Davy, their son, got in a fight at school, and was thrown off the basketball team. Then earlier while taking a bath, she discovered a lump in her breast. Jim came the bedroom. They stared at each other, not knowing what to say. Jim is rubbing his forehead with a headache. Karen is blinking nervously. How much stress is too much? Stress is a normal part of life that can either help us learn and grow, or it can present tremendous problems. Stress releases powerful neurochemicals and hormones that prepare us for action (to fight or flee). If action is not taken and it builds up inside, that stress can lead to health problems. Different types of stress are; prolonged, uninterrupted, unexpected, and unmanageable. Stress can be managed with; regular exercise, meditation or other relaxation techniques, structured time outs, and learning how to cope with it for more predictability in our lives. Using drugs, pain medicines, alcohol, smoking, and eating can make the stress worse, and can make us more susceptible for more stress. Managing stress depends on the willingness of a person to make the changes necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Are you ready? Would you like to "Fight Stress & Win?" If so, The SECRET formula for fighting stress is here: http://www.faceuptoit-youcan.com/stress.html