Stress is part of life. Without stressors we would have no challenge, no stimulation — what would excite us? To be alive is to experience stress. Some people function best under crisis, while others cannot move. How people adapt to stress dictates the effect the stressor will have on them.

Pick up a book or article on stress today; within the first few lines you are likely to discover that disease and stress are closely connected. Even everyday activities such as going to the store, finishing a project, relaxing, talking with someone, or picking out what clothes to wear can be affected by stress. Each time a person overreacts to the experience of a negative stress factor, the proper flow of energy throughout the body is disrupted, allowing weakness to begin. Ultimately the body system may become too congested and begin to shut down, causing a break somewhere in the proper function of the miraculous body.

Response Is Key

Carrying an overabundance of stress may invite such developments as chronic fatigue, headaches, teeth grinding, and excessive anger. Chronic muscle fatigue is another side effect of stress overload. Excessive stress may cause anxiety and depression as well as a weakened immune system. Heart disease and cancer have also been linked to constant stress. However, it is how you respond to stress that is the key factor.

Some people are able to go through the day without overreacting to everyday stressors. They can sit patiently in traffic, listening to the radio or making out a grocery list. They are better able to deal with the whispers and looks in the work environment, not personalizing these behaviors. Some are able to flow with the responsibilities from work and home, while others cannot cope as well. Any negative responses generated from stress may weaken the body's systems, leaving you open to future complications.

Producing Results

Dr. Koop, the former United States Surgeon General, advocated the use of relaxation techniques to reduce stress, keeping the immune system healthy. Reflexology can help to reduce stress. This is a relaxation technique that produces profound results. Imagine sitting back in a comfortable lounge chair with your feet up as someone applies alternating pressure on your feet. Aaaah! Before long you are snoring or at least so relaxed that you cannot keep your eyes open. Now that is stress reduced!