Unit 79
　　Confronting Stress
　　Stress is defined as the body's response to any demand made upon it. Long ago, stress was a matter of survival. Increased pulse, breathing, and alertness kept our ancestors ready for dangers and prepared them to "run or fight".
　　Today stress result from negative and positive events. A job promotion or graduation from college can be a positive stressful event. A job loss, financial troubles, or a death in the family can be a negative stressful event. Despite the different times, our body's reaction remains the same as the caveman's.
　　Some of the effects that we experience from stress can include: depression, or feeling really sad about nothing in particular; anxiety, or a fear that makes you feel tense or nervous; anger, or a feeling of hostility towards persons or events; panic, or a feeling of losing control. Symptoms can include panic, sweating, dizziness, breathlessness, and palpitations. Stress can lower our immune systems and make our bodies more susceptible to infections, colds, and flu.
　　Stress will always be a part of your life. It is important to recognize what gives you stress and learn how to control your responses to those thing that cause stress.
　　Here is a list of the top ten stress-busters that you can use to manage your own stress:
　　1. Try not to "self-medicate" with diet formulas, alcohol, or over-the-counter medicines such as sleeping pills. Covering up a problem can make the stress even worse.
　　2. Do something just for yourself. A trip to the hair salon, or having a massage can do wonders when you're under a lot of stress.
　　3. Eat at least one hot meal a day. Good nutrition is important because it gives your body the fuel it needs to deal with daily stress.
　　4. Share how you are feeling with someone you can trust and who will listen to you. There is an old saying that "A joy shared is doubled, and a sorrow shared is halved."
　　5. Exercising at least three days per week for at least 30 minutes each time improves your fitness and your sense of well being.
　　6. If you are a smoker, stop smoking and start breathing clean air. Smoking and stress are a dangerous combination.
　　7. If you are a coffee or cola lover, cut down on these and other drinks that contain caffeine.
　　8. Learn and use relaxation exercises such as yoga, meditation, or other stress-relieving activities of interest to you
　　9. Laughter is the best medicine. It is. Laughing releases chemicals in the brain that help promote a relaxation response. Rent a comedy from a video store. Share it with friends and laugh your stress away.
　　10. Get regular physical exams. Your healthcare provider can spot health problems related to stress and can provide you with suggestions.