Today, day-to-day life has become more complicated and fast than we anticipated. To attain this fast following world, we also have to be fast and have to work equally hard to stay in the race. Stress is the result of this fast life, which can cause even life-threatening problems to us. Managing stress is an art and very important for each of us.

What is Stress?

Stress in individuals is defined as any interference that disturbs a person's health mentally as well as physically. It occurs when the body is subjected to stress by high demands in life combined with high constraints and little support from colleagues. Constraints and little support are harmful to individuals, families and society.

Effect of Stress on body:

When the human body is placed under stress, it increases the production of certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones produce a marked change in heart rate, blood pressure levels and physical activities although this physical reaction will help you to function more effectively when you are under pressure, it can be extremely damaging to the body in longterm. Longterm stress has been identified as one of the most prevalent cause of high blood pressure, consequently leading to heart diseases. Prolonged stress can increase the incidence of psychological disorders. Worries can reach to such a level that they surface as a frightening, painful physical sensation, which  can be mistaken for a heart attack.

People under prolonged stress are more prone to irrational fears, mood phobias and may experience fits of depression, anger and irritability.

Effect of Stress on Decisions:

Suffering from any level of stress can rapidly cause individuals to lose either ability to make sound decisions, especially if their self confidence comes down or fails. Faulty decisions made at workplace and at home may lead to accidents or some major loss.

Symptoms of Stress:

There is no single symptom that can identify stress. some physical symptoms of stress can be life threatening such as blood pressure, heart diseases. Less life threatening physical signs include insomnia, a feeling of constant fatigue, headache, skin rashes, digestion problems, loss of appetite, etc. Some immediate symptoms are feeling of nausea, breathlessness, a dry mouth.

The emotional symptoms of stress can be general irritability, acute anxiety attacks, depression, loss of a sense, of humor and inability to concentrate on the routine tasks, becoming unnecessarily over-emotional and aggressive in certain situations. Loss of interest in personal appearance, social events or previously liked activities or sports. Sadness, guilty, fatigue, apathy are some of the most common indications of stress.

Reducing or overcome on stress:

As a temporary relief from stress, many people indulge themselves in excessive eating, smoking, drinking or spending but this is not the right way to follow. There is no formula guaranteeing free life, but there are techniques to minimize them which are listed below.

• Take a stroll when you are stressed. It can help restore your perspective.
• Avoid the habit of taking completion work with you every night.
• Learn from those who do not suffer from stress.
• Avoid routinely working late and at weekends.
• Assess the stress factors of any new task before you accept it.
• Always be flexible in your attitudes.
• Do not make major decisions quickly.
• Try to meet at least one of your close friends and confidants.
• Relieve pressure by discussing your problems with your most confident friend.
• Do not ignore your problems - acknowledge them as they rise.
• Practice 'YOGA' and do 'MEDITATION' to help you relax.