Stress is a part of our everyday life. We can live as stress free as possible, but we do not have control over our surroundings, only our self. It is not always an overbearing feeling when we feel stress from a situation. Maybe a driver cuts you off, you say something under your breath, shake it off, and drive on. The stress only lasts a few moments then everything is back to normal. Some things can stress us further or for longer periods. Bills, work, our social and personal life all are capable of generating stress at times. This is okay. Everyone has stress in their life. The problem begins when we do not control our stress level.

What is stress exactly? Stress is our reaction to stimuli that may be seen as dangerous or threatening. A little amount of stress is not always negative. A small amount can help keep us alert and ready in a situation. When you are in a traffic jam and that driver cuts you off, you are now more alert to the vehicles around you. Your mind is ready to handle the stimuli that the drivers around you will give.

It is when we become that driver yelling out of the window at random strangers who are just as trapped as they are, that stress starts to become an issue. Stress affects several areas of our life regardless of the source. It can affect us medically, socially, and mentally. Stress is capable of creating headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and issues with sleeping. It can cause signs of anxiety and a lack of focus.

Socially it can change how you react to friends. It can turn you irritable and short tempered. Even around others stress can cause a sense of isolation, or at times cause you to feel overwhelmed when around too many people. Even if these people are friends. You can take to negative habits such as alcohol or drug abuse to deal with your stress, which in turn leads to the problems caused by addiction. Turning to such habits can alienate you from friends and family over time.

Mentally you can begin to experience memory loss. You lose focus on important tasks. You may find yourself procrastinating on both personal and business responsibilities. The work environment may be comforting in a normal state of mind, but under stress it could seem small, enclosing, maybe even depressing. Everything can be seen differently from your mind’s perspective when under the effects of stress.

Around 43% of all adults suffer some form of adverse health effect from stress. You don’t have to be a part of that statistic. There are ways to control your stress level. Sometimes it is a quick meditation session at your office desk to clear your mind. Some people take yoga classes once a week, or set a day apart from the rest for relaxation or recreation. If the stress in your life feels especially high, there are alternatives such as seeing a massage or acupuncture specialist. You may not be in control of the things around you, but you can control how you react to them.