What is stress? How to deal with stress!
Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands. For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. Stress isn’t always bad. In small doses, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best. But when you’re constantly running in emergency mode, your mind and body pay the price. You can protect yourself by recognizing the signs and symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.

The following happens in stress:

• Blood pressure rises

• Breathing becomes more rapid

• Digestive system slows down

• Heart rate (pulse) rises

• Immune system goes down

• Muscles become tense

• We do not sleep

How we respond in stress and why?

• We do not tell or share our problem with others due to insecurity.

• We do not do exercise, yoga and meditation (chanting of Sai Ram).

Effect on your body in stress

• A tendency to sweat

• Back pain

• Chest pain

• Childhood obesity

• Cramps or muscle spasms

• Erectile dysfunction

• Fainting spells

• Headache

• Heart disease

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Loss of libido

• Lower immunity against diseases

• Muscular aches

• Nail biting

• Nervous twitches

• Pins and needles

• Sleeping difficulties

• Stomach upset

Effect on your thoughts in stress

• Anger

• Anxiety

• Burnout

• Depression

• Feeling of insecurity

• Forgetfulness

• Irritability

• Problem concentrating

• Restlessness

• Sadness

• Fatigue

Effect on your behavior in stress

• Eating too much

• Eating too little

• Food cravings

• Sudden angry outbursts

• Drug abuse

• Alcohol abuse

• Higher tobacco consumption

• Social withdrawal

• Frequent crying

• Relationship problems

How to deal with stress
There are two broad methods you can follow to treat stress, they include self-help and meditation.

1) Self help for treating stress

• Exercise

• Division of labor

• Assertiveness

• Avoid alcohol and drugs

• Avoid Caffeine

• Eat Nutrition

• Relax for some time

• Morning Breathing

• Tell and talk about your problem

• Seek professional help

2) Relaxation techniques - meditation (chanting of Sai Ram) or yoga have been known to greatly help people with stress.