Stress must be the most popular word in Anguilla. We hear it in our homes, at school, at church, and on the job. The reason it is such a popular topic is due to the fact that too much stress can affect all of us and can lead to several diseases that can affect our health.

Some stress is good
Some individuals tend to talk about stress as if it is all bad. Some stress is good for you, but too much is not good. There is no single level of stress that is optimal for all people. We are all individuals with unique requirements. It has been found that most illnesses are related to unrelieved stress. If you are having stress symptoms, you have gone beyond your optimal stress level. Seek professional help if you have the following:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Changes in appetite

• Panic attacks

• Muscle tenderness and soreness

• Frequent headaches

• Gastrointestinal problems

• Prolonged feelings of sadness or worthlessness.

Stress and disease
For thousands of years, people believed that stress can make one sick. In the last few decades scientists have been rediscovering the links between the brain and the immune system. The exact mechanisms by which stress influences disease processes have remained elusive.

Too much stress can cause both mental and physical illnesses. Chronic stress is associated with mental conditions like depression and anxiety disorders.
Numerous studies have solidly demonstrated a link between chronic psychological stress and indices of impaired health, including cardiovascular disease and weakened immune function.
It has been shown clinically the individuals with chronic stress show a prolonged healing time after surgery, a decreased ability of their immune systems to respond to vaccination, and an increased susceptibility to viral infections like the common cold.

How to manage stress better
Try to identify the things in your life that cause stress. These may include: marital problems, conflicts at work, a death or illness in the family. Once the cause is identified and you understand how these stressors affect you, you can begin to figure out ways to change your environment and manage them. If there is a problem that can be solved, set about taking control and solving it. For example, you might decide to change jobs if problems at work are making you stressed.

If you are having family problems, see a responsible pastor, elder or a marriage and family therapist.

If you need help with weight management, see your dietitian or family physician for information on weight management.

If you need help in managing your finances, see someone you trust and respect who practices good honest financial planning.

Some chronic stressors can not be changed. For these, support groups, relaxation, meditation, and exercise are all tools you can use to manage stress. If nothing you do seems to work for you, see a health professional for advice.

Exercise and stress
Exercise is one of the weapons you have to neutralize stress. Usually, when people are stressed the last thing they want to do is get out in the fresh air and walk for 30 minutes. Many people who have dared to try this have found it invigorating, strengthening, mind clearing and a great pleasure activator. Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week (moderate rhythmic exercise is best, such as walking, swimming, cycling or jogging).

Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress
Slow, deep breathing will bring your heart rate and respiration back to normal. Relaxation techniques can reduce muscle tension.

Build your physical reserves
In addition to regular exercise, you should eat well-balanced nutritious meals. Maintain your ideal weight and avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine, and other stimulants. Mix leisure with work. Take a vacation when you can. Get enough sleep.

Conclusion
Many individuals in Anguilla live a fast pace lifestyle often associated with many stresses. We seldom have time to eat properly, let alone relax or sleep. When the body is over stressed, it becomes distressed and eats away at our physical and mental strength. Our goal is not to eliminate all stress but finding how to identify unrelieved stress and manage it appropriately to reduce its harmful effects. Remember that good health is a state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being and not just the absence of disease.

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