Stress - can't avoid it, even if you try. We need to manage the stress we do get, the best we can. Why? Because it wreaks havoc on the body - physically, mentally and takes an overall toll. Stress can cause gastrointestinal problems, migraines, loss of hair, loss of appetite, the inability to sleep, heart palpitations, anxiety attacks, and the list goes on! It can also greatly aggravate pre-existing conditions such as, heart disease and diabetes.

So what do you do? If you can't avoid stress, how do you stop it from ruining your health? You have to find a release that works for you. If it's meditation, yoga, running, walking, dancing, singing, kick boxing, cooking, playing with kids, laughing, talking to friends - whatever it is - find it, know that is "your outlet" and go to it as often as you can. Find that release especially at times of high levels of stress. You will KNOW when stress is taking over your body. You will FEEL it and you need to respond. ONLY YOU can control how you react to it.

There are so many types of stress and levels as well. It effects everyone differently and each of us have very different levels of tolerance. We all know our own bodies and what effects us and how. So we need to take charge in reacting to the stressors and keeping them in control the best way we can.

Sometimes the stress and its toll are too much to handle individually. When you are in that place, please talk to your doctor or therapist/psychiatrist and ask for help. There are medications that may be necessary to assist you during extremely stressful times. It may also help to talk to and get the support of certain professionals, as well as family and friends. This can help achieve a great outcome.

Take a walk, count to ten - again, whatever works for you, but try something BEFORE you explode. Good luck!

"The greatest weapon against stress is the ability to choose one thought over another."