I am regularly asked what’s the best way of overcoming stress, to which I usually respond WHY? This as you can imagine can cause lots of different reactions. The reason for asking WHY is so that I can try to find out if they are firstly stressed or under pressure.

There is a big difference between STRESS and PRESSURE which most people don’t truly understand. This is not to say that people under pressure don’t matter it is just that pressure, so long as it is not excessive, is good for us and actually boosts most peoples health (honest it’s true!) it is when pressure or demands become excessive and create stress that difficulties can follow. As everyone has a different perception (that’s their reality) there is no prescribed way to stop everyone from moving from pressure to stress (I like to use the word “DISTRESS”)

So what can we do……..??????????

There is now a definite proven link between your overall mental and physical health and stress. From research around the world studies have proven that having or being in good health not only makes you more resistant to stressors but can actively help the body fight off stress (I know that all the information junkies will want web sites, case studies but hey, this is a blog not a “WHITE PAPER”). Actually I will help, go to a web site called Vielife http://www.vielife.com/ and do your own research.

There are in my eyes 6 key areas to sustaining good health that can fight off potential stress.

1.    Drinking 2- 2.5 litres of water a day.
2.    Eating at least 5 portions of fruit/vegetables daily
3.    Regular physical activity/exercise
4.    Having a belly laugh each day
5.    Having a true confidant
6.    Good sleep

Obviously there are more areas such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, regular health check, awareness to ones own signs of stress etc

I know, I know, in this modern, none stop, busy, busy  world its not easy to find the time to do all the things we should BUT………………………………

AREN’T YOU WORTH IT???