are you stressed out?

Stress has long remained America's No. 1 cause of illness. In 1983, stress was declared as "Epidemic of 80's" by Time Magazine. So what has changed now? Situation is same in 21st century or even worse?

After that Time magazine article actually got published in 1983, till today, in these 26 years. Our life has become more complicated, become more technology oriented. In all these years we have introduced mobile phones, internet, email, 24/7 news channels (those keep on telecasting brutal crime scenes). We are facing financial crises, have mortgages, credit cards bills, self managed retirement plans. As a nation we have concerns of terrorism, bad economy and global warming.

All these elements are causing more stress. An average American's stress levels are far higher than that was in 80's.

Influence of this stress is devastating on our physical and mental health. The AIS (American institute of Stress) has estimated 75 - 90% of all visits to physicians are illness caused by stress and heart disease. 1 in every 12 Americans or 8.09% of population is heart patient. A research conducted in 2001 shows 30.3% of deaths due to heart disease. It's about 725,92 deaths every year. Situation is far worse in year 2009. Stress factors are increased and stress levels are sky rocketed causing more people to become heart disease patients and die of worrying. Today stress is truly the No. epidemic in United States of America.

Now question arises how an average America can reduce stress without changing the society or economy. The answer can be found in stress management techniques. However managing stress when you are stressed too much, almost close to your limit can be very challenging.

I've met several people who are stressed to the point they feel overwhelmed, almost lost their senses. In condition where they can't even understand and listen to sincere advice. There are exercises, yoga programs those can help you release stress.

To reduce stress, you first have to know what stress actually is; "stress is circumstances that you are facing and the way you think about these circumstances." So, if you can't change circumstances, stress management techniques can change your way of thinking about circumstances. These techniques can teach you how to neglect bad thoughts and to concentrate at positive things, making you a cool headed person, strong and a better human.

What if you become a strong person? You can handle difficult situations without trembling, without losing your mind in tough times. This is what an average American needs, to become cool, pleasant and strong at heart & mind to face the challenges in life.