[00:00.00] Stress

[00:03.89]Most people feel stress at some time in their lives.

[00:10.74]Some people like this pressure and work better because of it.

[00:17.40]Other people are not comfortable with any stress at all;

[00:23.95]they soon become unhappy if they feel stress.

[00:29.99]Sometimes stress can lead people to do things they wouldn't usually do,

[00:36.94]such as overeat,smoke,drink or use drugs.

[00:43.18]Stress,however,is a very normal part of life.

[00:50.02]It is important to understand that stress

[00:55.20]doesn't come from an event itself;

[00:59.43]that is,from the things that are happening in our lives.

[01:05.80]It comes from the meaning we give to that has happened.

[01:11.05]For example,a crying baby may be stressful to one person,

[01:18.11]but it may not bother another person at all;

[01:23.46]a traffic jam may be stressful to one person

[01:29.10]while another person may be able to stay calm.

[01:34.56]We can experience stress any time we feel we don't have control.

[01:41.80]It can come from a feeling that we can't do anything about a situation.

[01:49.17]Basically,it is the body's way of showing anxiety or worry.

[01:56.61]Stress in not just caused by our mental or emotional condition.

[02:05.07]It is also influenced by how tired we are,

[02:10.51]whether we have a balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals,

[02:17.04]whether we get enough physical exercise,and wether we can relax.

[02:23.99]The point at which stress becomes a problem changes from day to day,

[02:31.22]even for the same person.

[02:35.59]In some situations,if we are rested and feel good about ourselves,

[02:42.93]a little stress will not be a problem.

[02:47.89]In another situation,if we are tired or feel unsure about our abilities,

[02:55.54]even a small amount of stress can cause problems.

[03:01.29]For example,we might begin to worry about things that are happening yet

[03:08.34]instead of working on things that are happening now.

[03:13.80]Or we might not feel able to find solutions to everyday problems.

[03:21.46]If we feel stressed,there are several things that we can do.

[03:28.20]First,we need to learn how to relax and breathe slowly and smoothly.

[03:35.85]We can also take some time out of our worried,

[03:41.60]busy schedule to notice the small things in life.

[03:47.34]Smell the air,look at the flowers,

[03:52.78]notice the small designs in the leaves on a tree

[03:58.13]-these activities can do much to quiet us

[04:03.20]and give ourselves a small break in a busy schedule.

[04:09.44]We need to take care of our bodies.

[04:15.09]Being tired makes it easier for us to get sick

[04:20.73]and to develop physical problems related to stress.

[04:26.27]We need to get enough rest,eat well,and do some regular exercise.

[04:34.00]Scientists have found that for our minds to think clearly,

[04:40.06]our bodies need to have certain vitamins and minerals;

[04:46.12]some of the most important vitamins are the B-complex vitamins.

[04:53.96]Doing regular exercise is also a physical way

[04:59.81]to let go of angry feelings or feelings of helplessness.

[05:06.08]Finally,we need to find what is causing the stress in our lives.

[05:13.42]One we have found it,we need to begin to change that part of our lives.

[05:21.99]If we believe that we can control stress,

[05:27.84]we can begin in control our lives.

[05:33.09]Then we can start to use stress in a positive way.