Stress can be considered as a spice in life; too little and you are left feeling like it is a bit bland, too much and it makes you sick, the right amount enhances the flavour! The stress response is a natural event in our life and is highly individualised, some cope better than others in tense or difficult situations.

Try to recognise the signs that indicate times of stress:
- Discouraged, Irritable, Cynical, Emotional, Reclusive, low energy levels.

These emotions affect how you feel, think and act but may be easy to miss as they can sneak up gradually.

The physical symptoms aren’t as easy to ignore. They include:
- Headache, upset stomach, Insomnia, Fatigue, Frequent illness.

Many people revert to old habits, such as biting nails, smoking, or turning to alcohol and drugs.

While it is one thing to recognise stress, it’s another to know what to do about it. Here are a few ways you can avoid and better cope with stress.
Get organised
Keep a written schedule of your daily activities so you’re not faced with conflicts or last-minute rushes to get to an appointment or activity on time.
Simplify your schedule
Try to adopt a more relaxed pace. You “can and learn how to say “no” to added responsibilities that you don’t feel up to tackling. Ask others to lend a hand.
Exercise and Food
In addition to helping control your blood pressure, exercise also helps to burn off the nervous energy that stress produces. Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week. Eat as much wholesome foods as possible, keep package & processed foods to a minimum.
Give yourself an occasional break
Take a holiday, even if it is for a weekend, and plan it so you leave your stresses behind. Take time to see a movie or enjoy a relaxing meal out, spoil yourself with a massage, haircut or new outfit.
Get plenty of sleep and have some fun.