Did you know that around two thirds of all health problems are related to stress? It is true, stress is so damaging to our health that it can and does cause a wide variety of health issues from fatigue and insomnia to heart disease and cancer. It is a sobering thought that stress can play such a big role in our well being. Although it is near impossible to avoid stress in our lives, we can control our reaction to it. By learning to reduce stress we will be able to lessen the effects on our health.

One of the reasons we get sick when we are under stress is because our immune system becomes suppressed. Your body goes into survival mode during a stressful time, so that is why the immune system begins to run sluggishly. This will make you more susceptible to viruses, stomach ulcers, migraine headaches, high blood pressure, and a multitude of other health issues. If you stressful situation continues for a long period of time, you will become run down and may start to experience more chronic issues such as heart problems, depression, arthritis and even some kinds of cancer.

Not only can health problems occur during a tough period of your life, they can also show up just after your life calms down. Many college students will be just fine through finals, however the week after the semester is done they will suffer migraine headaches, stomach problems, or get sick with a cold. It is as though their bodies have run on adrenaline to get through the stress and then just fall apart when things get back to normal.

Face it. Stress is not good for your emotion, mental, or physical well being. There is no way to avoid it, but we can take measures to reduce it. Taking vitamins, especially B vitamins, is a good way to help reduce the effects of stress on your body. B vitamins are energy boosters and can help your body withstand the extra pressure. Get plenty of rest. Don't burn the candle at both ends. If you are well rested you will be better able to handle what life hands you. Probably the most important thing you can do is exercise. Go for a walk, enjoy the fresh air. Getting outside and away from others can give you time to clear your head and find mental peace.

Any major event in your life, good or bad, it can cause stress. We often think of negative events as the major stressors in life, but often all it takes is a change. Perhaps a wedding, new baby, a move or a new job, even though these are all good things they are also stressors. We need to remember that any major change is hard, no matter how much we are looking forward to it. If you understand this you will be better prepared to handle any stress that comes your way. If you are prepared to deal with stress you will be better able to avoid the health problems that can occur.