Stress and it's negative impact on both physical and emotional health have been recognized by numerous professions for quite a while. It can have damaging effects on our workouts and our physiques!

Although we understand the physiology of stress, it's true effects, and total long-term effects are still not fully comprehended. Basically, when we are stressed we secrete adrenaline, nor epinephrine, and cortico steroids. These hormones create tension, muscle tightness, and can restrict blood flow.

The results can be anything ranging from a minor tension headache to a fatal heart attack. Stress is a killer, and there's no denying that. Countless numbers of bodies lying graves prematurely, because they’re victims did not know how to manage stress.

The stress and burdens of modern society in themselves are a cause of stress. Since we cannot change our society, and the complexities and burdens of it will only intensify; once again, we are faced with choice.

The choice is simple and perhaps cruel. However, I don't make the rules; I merely state them the way they are. The choice is learn to manage our stress, or let it make us sick, or kill us. The latter choice is the wrong answer.

Before we can alleviate stress, we first need to acknowledge that we are stressed. Many people go into denial when it comes to this subject. Although it is true for both sexes, it is probably more prevalent among males.

Men are supposed to be macho, tough and strong. Therefore, admitting stress is taken by many men to be a sign of weakness. This is simply not true. As the world has changed and become more hectic, we need to change our attitudes toward the stress that we all face.

Denial never works, because it creates a false a reality. Admission is not weakness; it is a sign of strength. Even the most decorated war heroes have suffered from post combat trauma. These are some of the bravest people in the world, and the strongest. However, they are human, and absolutely no one is spared stress, and even fear.

After we admit and recognize that we are stressed, the first thing we need to do, is determine the cause. Some people get very stressed by small things that go wrong, while others are shaken only by major events. Regardless of the cause, the effects are the same, and the results may be the same.

Stress arises from many different areas. Marital problems, problems with children, difficulties at work, financial problems, physical problems or injuries and associated pain, or simply the overwhelming burdens of our lives can cause major stress.

The lesson to be learned here is that the stress is going to remain whether we like it or not. The important thing is how we deal with and handle the stressful situations. Proper handling of the situation will reduce tension and stress. Conversely, the improper handling of the situation will intensify and magnify the stress, and the perceived stress.

Sudden and unexpected tragedies can cause traumatic stress instantly. Floods and natural disasters, a serious auto accident, a friend or loved one getting very sick or passing away unexpectedly, are but a few examples of situations that can occur to anyone, and wreak havoc.

People who were functioning very well, and are suddenly faced with one of the situations mentioned above, may begin to have very serious stress related problems. This is very understandable, and very human. Tragedies occur in this world that are beyond our comprehension.

No one can prepare for these types of events. When they happen, we must try our best to move quickly in handling the stress as best we can. The longer we wait; the worse it will be! Moving quickly does not cure the situation, but it helps to lessen our chances of having a physical or mental breakdown.

Minor things can be very stressful to most people. Life is full of things that seem trivial until something goes wrong. Getting a flat tire in the middle of congested highway at rush hour, our car not starting, a roof leaking in our house, a power outage, an appliance that breaks down, nagging minor injuries, being exposed to horrible whether, not getting deliveries on time, making unnecessary mistakes, are but a few examples of an almost endless list of minor things that can lead to frustration, anger, and increased stress levels.

Although most people know that they have no control of the situations, and they are not to blame, they cannot help overreacting, and getting stressed.

Like everything else in life, it takes time to change our habits. Old habits die hard, but they do die if we choose to send them to Heaven. Just as we need to learn new habits in diet, nutrition, exercise, and sleep; we must learn new habits in handling stress.

All these components must be handled properly in order to achieve maximum health. Leading a happier, healthier, more productive life takes a lot of work. However, it is worth every minute, and you'll of the beneficiary.

Although it is a lot of work, the benefits begin immediately, and you will start to see and feel the improvement. As your health improves, and your life improves, there is nothing better! The benefits you receive far outweigh the work you put in. Life is precious, and living a longer and healthier life is worth the work that is required.

Although we will never be 100% stress free, if we learn to keep our stress levels manageable, then we will succeed in obtaining maximum health. So, there is no utopia, but there are answers, and methods that you will learn to use to get as close as you possibly can.

In order to get the most out of your workouts and gym endeavors you must lower and handle stress properly!