Firstly, let's define Stress.

Stress is defined simply as 'Change'.

Any kind of change. Be it nvironmental, Physical, Emotional or Social - Good or Bad. As human beings we are naturally resistant to any type of change. So the
prospect of anything in our well-defined lives changing, puts our bodies on 'Full Alert'.

Between the ages of birth and 6 years old, we lay down our jigsaw puzzle of life. Our subconscious minds carve
out a plan of what is acceptable, believable, achievable and realistic. From learning that putting your hand on
the red circle on the stove is sore, to associating a raised voice with a deed deemed to be unacceptable.

This is the subconscious laying out the set of rules that determines survival. If you want to not only survive, but function well in the world, these are the rules you have to live by.

Good girls don't do that..., boys don't cry..., don't mix with them they're not our class etc etc.

Thus starts the process of Stress. The subconscious will hold onto its 'Survival Jigsaw' against tremendous opposition. The moment it perceives change, the defenses go up.

It is a proven fact that some of us handle Stress better than others. About 10% of the population actually has
a lowered capability of adjusting to change, and seeing it as a welcome challenge. The chemical imbalance in
their brain causes them to be acutely aware of, and sensitive to, change. The results are Depression, Insomnia, Irritability, PMS amongst others.

We all know that the power of our thoughts, has the ability to influence our physiology. 'As you think, so shall you be'.

One of the most profound secrets to enable you to stop fighting change and learning to relish it, is our 'Attitude'.

Instead of seeing a potential change as a threat, learn to welcome the prospect of a challenge as a wonderful learning tool.

Stop! Analyze the event and see the wood for the trees.

So often we get caught up in emotion and this blinds us from seeing what is actually going on. We get so wrapped up in the 'drama' of the situation that we
make the situation appear much more complicated than it actually is.

A wonderful set of techniques I use to get through stressful situations are:

-Take a deep breath,
-Separate yourself from the situation (look down on it as if you're flying),
-Sift through the emotions you're feeling and see if you are dramatizing them,
-Get to the root of why you're feeling that way and what is actually happening,
-Seeing if you really have any reason to be feeling as apprehensive as you do,
-Picture the desirable outcome of getting through the change, well,
-Pray to God that He will give you the strength to get through the change, Brilliantly!
-Change your attitude to one of faith in God, faith in yourself and your abilities, and a gratefulness
for all that you will learn from this experience.

Follow these steps whenever you're faced with a stressful situation. See how clearing away the 'emotional fog', helps you to resolve the situation
quickly and easily. It enables you to handle the stress and even look forward to the challenge of getting to the other side.

Namaste
Lisa van den Berg

Lisa van den Berg is the author of Alleviate-Stress - How to WIN at the Game of Life! She also publishes a weekly e-zine 'Empower Your Life!' that's filled with tips and techniques that will help you live the Life you deserve. Subscribe now at http://www.thealternativerookie.com !