Stress; We've all felt it.

Sometimes stress can be a positive thing motivating you to perform well at school or everyday life. But often for example when you have too much work to do and you can’t cope, it's a negative force. If you experience stress over a prolonged period of time, it could become fatal, unless you take action and try to reduce it. When stress starts interfering with your ability to live a normal life, it becomes even more dangerous.

The longer the stress lasts, the worse it is for both your mind and body. Stress can make existing problems worse. In one study, for example, about half the participants saw improvements in chronic headaches after learning how to stop the stress-producing habit of “catastrophizing,” or constantly thinking negative thoughts about their problems. Reducing your stress levels can not only make you feel better right now but may also protect your health long-term.

So, what can you do to reduce the amount of stress in your life? Identify what’s causing your stress, if you learn what is the cause of it, you may be able to set up a plan to avoid doing that or work around it. For example, if you are behind on homework, set up a specific time and do it, once you do you will feel as if a weight has lifted. Another way to reduce stress is to make sure you get enough sleep, being tired can make you unable to concentrate and make you behind, getting the recommended seven to eight hours really will make a difference in your life. Research shows that activities like yoga may also reduce the amount of stress in your life. Finally, if you continue to feel overwhelmed talk to someone or get professional help. If you do nothing about it, it won’t go away. Follow these simple steps and you’ll feel just like yourself in no time!

Summer