The first step in combating stress is identifying its origin. Stress can attack from every aspect of our life. The workplace is one of the most common places. There is the everyday threat of downsizing and losing your job, taking on a change of responsibilities and work overload.
“ In the 1980’s companies would talk about developing, nurturing and growing. Then the downsizing era begin. The language changes to words, such as transferring responsibilities, take out, terminate, and re-organization. In 1994, more than 3,100 workers were terminated each day. Fortune 500 companies were laying off 25% of their work force. Organizations across America were displacing 2 million employees a year. The survivors that remained were left with staggering workloads and little rewards.” (Toxic Work by: Barbara Bailey Reinhold, Ed.D. pg.10)
In addition to work related stress, many people carry around tension from their home lives. Financial burdens can be a major contributor to the pressure many people face at home. There are many other pressures that affect our personal lives; relationship problems, change in marital status, death of loved one and change of residence.
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What are the benefits to managing stress effectively? Why take the time to set up a stress management program? The better question is why not? Would you not want to have a better relationship with your significant other, your children or your friends? The activity might be something you do together; spending quality time that is helpful to everyone involved. Would you not want to be healthier and live longer? Jeff Levine’s article in CNN Interactive cites a Duke University study on stress management and heart attacks. In the article he states, “Those in the stress management program were 74 percent less likely to have additional heart problems than those who received only routine medical care." Levine, J. (1997, October 19). Study: Stress management reduces heart attack risk (Online). Available: http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9710/19/heart.stress/

ou. For problems more serious than typical day to day stress, try a support group or speaking with a counselor. It is also important to remember to take time out for yourself. Listening to music and making time for your personal interests, along with taking regular vacations, will help you overcome pressures of stress.

There are several different ways to relieve the mind and body from the torments of stress. Engaging in physical activity, whether solo or in a group setting is a good start. Working out your muscles will make you feel better inside a