Stress is anything in your environment that causes you to feel as though you cannot handle a situation adequately. This perception can be real or imagined. Stress becomes negative when it is overwhelming or constant, which can injure you both physically and psychologically.

Stress has many negative effects on the body:

• Your adrenaline increases, which slows down digestion, cell repair and your immune system
• Your heart rate and blood pressure increase and the circulation in your hands and feet constricts
• You may experience a decrease in the blood flow to your heart resulting from the constriction of arteries leading to the heart
• Stress has been linked to heart disease and cancer

You can relieve the stress in your life and experience the following benefits:

• More ability to focus on problem solving
• Increased work performance
• Improved family relations
• A more enjoyable life