People today for the most part are well aware that stress plays a significant role in the lives of most Americans.  However, many people still make excuse after excuse as to why they cannot take the time to relax.  In all fairness, it is very difficult to stop and smell the roses when you have a long list of chores, duties, or tasks to complete that will obviously take the majority of the day.  Therefore, it is imperative to schedule some time into your busy day to relax. 

Relaxing can help keep one's stress level in check.  It does not have to be a significant amount of time, it can be as simple as taking 5 minutes to do some deep breathing exercises.  What good does that do?  Deep  breathing allows more oxygen into the body.  This increases circulation as you utilize more lung capacity to force the oxygen into other vital organs, including the heart.  The heart pumps the oxygen rich blood into all areas of the body including the brain.  Did you know that the reason people yawn is primarily due to a lack of oxygen to the brain, not from being tired?  This is true.  Deep breathing gives the brain an extra dose of oxygen each time it is performed, which results in an overall feeling of well-being and calm, while allowing one to focus better on the tasks at hand.  Better focus equals better, more efficient performance. 

People who exercise, meditate, or read for enjoyment (typically before bed) recognize that these types of activities go a long way towards decreasing one's level of stress.  Stress causes all kinds of health issues and illnesses ranging from sleeplessness to weakening the immune system, to contributing to cancer.   It is important to recognize that stress can be and must be controlled for optimal health and wellness. 

Health and wellness are important to maintain for an optimal quality of life, whatever that may be for an individual.  The simple steps to remember for the best results are to eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, take you vitamins, and control your stress.  Do not let your stress control you.  When you control your stress, you are able to maintain a more positive outlook on life in general.  Psychologically speaking, happier people enjoy more fulfilling lives. 

While it is true that no one can completely control everything that happens in their lives, stress is controllable.  So take time to relax.  Pick an option that works well for you. Get your exercise. If you do not like to exercise in a gym, then go for a walk in your neighborhood.  Try an alternative form of exercise like thai chi or yoga.  Ride a bicycle.  Go bowling, fishing (no, sitting on a dock drinking beer does not count),  or golfing (walking the course) - a person can get a great workout with recreational sports, better than one would think.  Join some organized sport.  Many companies have their own baseball teams or softball teams. 

Whatever you do, if you follow a healthy lifestyle, then you will be much more successful when it comes to controlling your stress.  Do not let your stress control you.  If you notice stress taking over your life, then step back and analyze what you are dealing with in your life.  Make a list. This will help you to get back in control, even when things are at their most difficult or trying moments.  Remember that life is full of hills and valleys.  Hard times will pass and good times should be savored.  Life is too short to allow the controlling factor to be stress, it should be happiness.  So like most things in life and particularly in the United States of America, choice makes the difference.  Make the right choice...control your stress, do not let it control you. -PJ