Lifestyle in the 21st century is very stressful. Stress nowadays is not only overwhelming but it can pose a serious effect on one’s health. Almost everyone knows how it feels like to be stressed, stomachaches, headaches, and sweaty palms are all symptoms of this condition. These are normal body reactions to threats, changes in routines, or challenges.

Chronic or prolonged stress caused by work, relationship problems, or financial concerns may hamper emotional balance and increase the risk of chronic illness. Ongoing stress may increase the chances that certain ailments may develop. In addition, chronic stress may weaken the immune system and make it more susceptible to many forms of infections. Stress however, is an inevitable part of life and may cause one to be physically and emotionally drained.

Here are additional signs that indicate that one is might be stressed out:

• feeling down, edgy, or tired
• laughing or crying without any reason
• blaming others for bad things that happened
• wanting to be alone at all times
• not being able to see the positive side of certain situations
• not enjoying activities that were used to enjoy
• feeling annoyed to people or activities
• feelings like one has too many things to do

Many stressed individuals try to self-medicate to distract one’s self from by engaging in other activities while stressed. A lot of them however use the wrong method for stress relief. They tend to overeat, drink too much alcohol or coffee, or use illegal drugs. These habits may bring temporary relief but fail to alleviate stress in any meaningful way. In the long run individuals who engage in these activities may only heighten physical and emotional stress.

Exercise and nutritious diets are safe and effective ways to improve mental and physical health. Many medical studies point out that exercise, especially aerobic exercise (jogging, brisk walking, and jumping rope) as one of the best method for stress relief. This is possible because these activities promote of the production of endogenous morphines or endorphins. These are substances that is produced by the brain that might work as the body’s natural pain-killers. It said that endorphins might be capable of elevating one’s mood, self-esteem, and mental functioning.

Exercise should be done properly and in moderation to achieve health improvements. Individuals who want to improve their health don’t have to train like marathoners or even join a gym. Strength training (push-ups, pull-ups, etc) coupled with 30 minutes of jogging or brisk walking can keep your body toned and improve metabolism. These regimens can be done with little or no equipment at all. Many health experts claim that the key to improved health is not intensity or using sophisticated equipments but continuous physical activity.

Exercising properly can make people feel better, have more energy, and become less prone to stress. Before engaging in physical activities and making adjustments in food regimens, individuals are encouraged to seek the advise of health experts. They may prepare a workout routines that are recommended for individuals based on their specific health conditions and fitness goals.

If exercise and diet adjustments do not work, stressed individuals may use medications for stress relief. However, before taking them stressed individuals should consult doctors to clarify drug interactions and side effects that may occur while under medication. Understanding stress is essential for treatment and improvements in one’s health.