Although we tend to think of stress as caused by external events, events in themselves are not stressful. Rather, it is the way in which we interpret and react to events that makes them stressful. People differ dramatically in the type of events they interpret as stressful and the way in which they respond to such stress. For example, speaking in public can be stressful for some people and relaxing for others.

There are several signs and symptoms that you may notice when you are experiencing stress. These signs and symptoms fall into four categories: Feelings, Thoughts, Behavior, and Physiology. When you are under stress, you may experience one or more of the following:

All animals, including humans, respond to threat by fighting or fleeing. While deciding what t

Slow breathing from the diaphragm is one of the most effective ways of managing stress. Quick-fix breathing can release tension in a difficult situation. Calm and control your breathing by taking several deep, slow breaths. Return to normal breathing, then repeat. If the tense situation can't be changed, give a mental shrug, sigh, drop your shoulders, and ask yourself, "Who cares?" /gh/health/09streb3.htm

Another way of connecting with nature, even in a city, is gazing at a fish tank. Undoubtedly, doctors and dentists who have aquariums in their offices have instinctively sensed what recent research has shown: Concentrating on the undulant motion of fish and seaweed is relaxing and anxiety-reducing for patients.

You've read it countless times, but have you practiced it? Relaxing at will lowers blood pressure and slows breathing, metabolic, and heart rates, enabling your body to recover its equilibrium. It takes only 15 minutes. Lie on your back on a firm bed or mat. Let your feet flop outward and your hands rest by your sides. Close your eyes and sigh to release tension. Breathe slowly, pausing after each exhalation. Release tension in your toes, feet, and legs. Then do the same with your fingertips, arms, and neck. Ease tension in your shoulders by lowering them. Mentally smooth the muscles of your face. Be aware of the relaxation in your muscles. When you're ready, slowly open your eyes and stretch. Bend your knees and roll on your side before slowly getting up

What are some of the physical symptoms of stress?

o do, your body gears itself up to respond. Extra stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol) are secreted, your heart pumps faster, blood pressure rises, breathing quickens, perspiration increases, and digestion slows. Taking

Some common words found in the essay are:
HAPPY MESSENGERS, Veterinary Medicine, ANNE WOODHAM, Visualization Imagine, Introduction Stress, Indiana University, MIND Begin, James Lynch, Symptoms Stress, Behavior Physiology, blood pressure, release tension, happy messengers, stress signs symptoms, stress experience, signs symptoms, stress signs, lowers blood, symptoms stress, stressful people, enjoyable exercise, lowers blood pressure,
Approximate Word count = 1192
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)