We are all affected by stress at one time or another, it can be mild or it can be so bad that anxiety develops. In the work situation we can be under constant high pressure to perform, resulting in longer hours, not taking holidays and taking work home to do in the evenings and at weekends. As this pressure mounts there comes a time when you can no longer cope and your body succumbs to the resultant physiological problems.

We do need a bit of stress in our lives, that is what makes us strive to achieve things; no stress is nearly as bad for us as too much. It is important to realise that one person’s pressure is another person’s stress. By having some pressure you work at your optimum, being more effective, alert and productive. Too little pressure and you will easily become bored and apathetic.

The stress response is a series of physical changes initiated by the nervous system, and these physical changes help the body cope with danger. It is these physical changes that can damage the body, so it is very important to minimise the length of time your body is in the stress response by releasing stress whenever possible.

So how can you deal with all of the stress that modern life brings? It is not always easy to reduce stress levels, except maybe by being organised and not leaving everything until the last minute.
It is important to remember that it is our own perception of an event or a circumstance that turns it into a stressor, because stress is a response not an event or circumstance.

Take exercise
We were designed with the ‘flight or fight’ mechanism and by fighting or fleeing, the stress chemicals were used up and the body then returned to it’s usual state.
Vigorous exercise like running or a competitive game of squash is the most effective way of blowing away some cobwebs, and handling stress. Even a twenty-minute walk with the dogs will help you relax, and reduce your stress levels.

Eat a varied diet
Make sure you eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and that your diet contains sufficient amounts of protein and carbohydrate for your
lifestyle. Avoid refined and processed foods, caffeine containing beverages (e.g. coffee, tea and colas), food additives, table salt, alcohol and overeating.

Nutritional Supplements:

Vitamin B Complex, to be taken early in the day
Calcium
Magnesium, take one hour before bedtime
Vitamin C with bioflavonoid
Fish oils, EPA, DHA.
Tinctures:
Panax Ginseng: not if you have high blood pressure
Valerian
St John’s Wort
Chamomile
Lemon Balm

It may be that you would rather get the vitamin and minerals from your food, this is fine although it is important to remember that the foods we eat are not as nutritious as they once were, so supplementation is often a good idea. Here are a few suggestions of foods to be eating;
Brewers yeast, wheatgerm, wholegrains, nuts, brown rice, soya flour, fatty fish, cheese, pulses, root vegetables, eggs, cereals, lots of red, orange and dark green fruits and vegetables. By eating these foods you will be getting the nutrition needed to help you cope with stress.