Stress is any external or internal factor that creates a demand on your physical, emotional or mental reserves. It is the number one cause of several chronic diseases. The inability to manage stress can tax the heart and weaken the immune system. Stress can result in an elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and can create an increased risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. How disruptive stress is depends on how you perceive and deal with it. Often, stress to complete a deadline or a special assignment compels you to do a better job. This form of stress helps you focus, increase your work energy and productivity. Physical exercise temporarily stresses the body and the health benefits of exercise keep the body healthy, balanced and strong. Physical exercise reduces overall stress and helps to lose or maintain weight and prevent disease.

Stress can play a positive or negative role in your life. At times, stress motivates you to succeed or push yourself to the maximum. But there are other times when stress can become overwhelming.Stress management techniques can help you develop a new perspective in your life. Although you may not be conscious of your stress, your body will manifest symptoms to tell you that you are not able to manage it. Both, physical and mental stress can result in physical and emotional illness. Stress can affect the brain, mouth, heart, lungs, reproductive organs, skin, digestive tract, muscles, and even hair. For some individuals, stress can result in a significant hair loss or baldness.

When you are experiencing stress, it is important that you learn the proper steps to manage it to avoid long-term effects of chronic stress. It is impossible to be entirely stress-free since sometimes, even normal everyday events can be stressful. Stress management techniques can help you reduce the adverse effects of it on your mental and physical health. Having a support network, and more importantly, taking care of yourself is the best way to deal with it.

Although it can be difficult to let go of events that have deeply wounded you, learn to make a conscious effort to control your anger. Managing your anger will greatly reduce the stress in your life. However, holding on to your anger in may result in depression or cause chronic stress leading to a disease. Talk to a friend. A therapist will help you channel that bursting energy into something positive.

Speaking slowly gives you time to breathe and think. You will also appear to be less anxious about the situation on hand. Take a few deep breaths before facing a stressful situation. If you have a few minutes to spare, try meditating. To gain a new perspective, excuse yourself to go outside for a breath of fresh air. Snack nutritiously, and drink water throughout the day to avoid unnecessary physical stress on your body. Avoid procrastination by completing small tasks first. This will shorten your to-do list. Managing stress can improve overall health.