Stress Relievers for Men

It may create problems if you don't do anything about it. Increased competition, family and relationship matters, work tension, financial problems, deteriorating health, loss of a family member or friend, etc., are some of the most pronounced causes of stress these days.

When your body detects an impending danger, difficulty, or problem, it releases certain hormones, the results of which are, increased heart rate, extra alertness, etc. This is called the "fight or flight" mechanism.

Once you decide whether to deal with the problem or to avoid it, your body returns to normal state. Problem arises when such situations start occurring over and over again, for longer durations.

Along with the familiar uneasy feeling in your stomach, stress can cause:

~ Headache
~ Insomnia
~ Indigestion
~ Irritability
~ Lack of concentration

It also affects the immune system, so you are more prone to infectious diseases, when you are struggling with targets. More serious effects of stress can include:

~ Heart rhythm irregularities
~ Angina (severe chest pain)
~ High blood pressure
~ An increased risk of heart attack and stroke
~ Sleep problems
~ Obesity
~ Panic attacks

That is, clear your surroundings of every piece of technology. No cell phone, TV, computer, iPod, etc. Sit back and relax. It's the best way to fight off job stress.

These stimulants increase the heart rate and disrupt sleep, making the situation even worse. They weaken your immune system. This increases the risk of life-threatening diseases like cancer and liver cirrhosis.

Your immune system improves. Your mind also clears, and your creativity increases. By meditating regularly, you will find it easier to quit smoking, drinking, and drugs.

Aerobics, dancing, kick-boxing, or swimming, take up any form of exercise and do it regularly. Exercise stimulates release of hormones. As you know, hormone imbalance can lead to various diseases and disorders. Stress severely affects the production of hormones. Participating in outdoor sports can definitely help lower stress.

Though many books and videos guiding you on this subject are available, you should take advice from a certified Yoga trainer before using them. Breathing techniques like Pranayama work great for stress.

We don't have to go into the scientific details to know that we feel happy after hearing a happy song, and sad after hearing a sad one. So try listening to something inspirational or pleasant before you sleep, and you will be a fresh man the next morning.

Laughing lowers stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. So, spend more time in the company of your friends and family members. Play with pets and children. Basically do things that keeps you happy.

These are just a few of the stress relievers that work well. Some other ways to relieve stress can be spending more time in nature, getting a pet, developing hobbies (writing, dancing, drawing, gardening, learning musical instrument), talking with a friend, counselor, or a clergyman about your feelings. You can develop your own stress relief activities.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.