Creating Vitality and Managing Stress

In today’s fast-paced world, work and personal demands on our time are unavoidable. Dealing with day-to-day stress is a norm and although a certain amount of stress will trigger our body’s “fight-or-flight” response to give us the extra ‘energy’ we need to flee or defend ourselves against danger (in today’s world for example,
caring for a sick child or sealing that business deal), too much (as with most things) can cause health problems, impair performance and creativity.

Stress is one of three main factors contributing to the state of your health (along with physical and nutritional balance and wellbeing). It is estimated that up to 90% of visits to primary health care providers are due to stress-related ailments.
Contrary to nature's original intention, the level of stress inherent in simply ‘being alive’ today can invoke the body's "flight or fight" survival mechanism into almost continuous operation. Whether it is mental or physical, stress can be exhausting. Exhausting your body will eventually (whether in the short- or long-term) respond, ultimately leading to a weakened immune system, bone loss or other serious health conditions. It is also known that stress depletes the body of protein, vitamins A, C, E, B (particularly B-2, riboflavin), B-6, B-12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, choline and the pituitary and adrenal hormones. Studies suggest that 80 to 90 percent of illnesses are linked to stress — so keeping it in check is critical.
The good news is that you can reverse the trend, and it may not be as hard as you think. Stress reduction is a facet of vitality in which healthy living and balance will prove to be a valuable asset to you. The key is managing when your stress response system kicks in — and channelling its energy when it does.
Exercise is tremendously beneficial in countering the effects of stress and building vitality.
Take the time to hit the “reset" button and aim towards a healthy, whole nutritional programme, exercise, postural re-education, stretching and relaxation for stress reduction. With a balanced approach to wellness, all is within your grasp. Invest in yourself now, and you will find yourself progressively experiencing more energy, higher-level wellness, improved fitness and personal wellbeing – zest for life! 

© Karina Balle 2009