Living a stressed life is fast becoming something that we are getting used to. Some of the terms which were unheard of during our ancestral times - like stress management, anxiety, and self-hypnosis - no longer sound ridiculous to us in this new millenium. Our generation is 1000 times more stressed compared to our great grandparents. Only 10% of today's stress factors are physical, with the remainder being of biological and chemical origin.

Factors like modernization, sociology, technology, education, job demands, family matters, transportation, pollution, and so on are the major contributors for our stressful life. The things that we eat, the water that we drink, the air that we breathe all contain chemicals and toxins that, in the long run, create hormonal imbalances. It is no surprise that we might not even know we are stressed, as many of us are so used to living in this kind of environment.

But let's not view stress as being entire negative. Stress is not that bad. A considerable amount of stress would be helpful to us, enabling us to gain momentum in order to achieve something. Stress ignites our desire to be successful especially when our stress management strategies are well planned.

However, high level of stress can cause depression, which may need to be relieved with medication and expensive therapy. Headaches, migraines, hormonal imbalances, feeling worn out and panicking are signs of unhealthy levels of stress. The best way to manage this type of stress is by using a mental approach – you have to believe in yourself and your ability to get over your problems. Be confident in making positive decisions. Know your limits and set your own stress management strategies.

You can also talk to somebody you trust to share your problems and ask for advice. Live a healthy lifestyle by exercising adequately and eating healthily. Reduce or stop smoking and drinking. Get plenty of rest. Occasionally clear your head of all your problems – large and small - and meditate.

When you are at work, you should be in control over your challenges, not the other way around. When things get to be too much to handle alone, don't be afraid to ask your colleagues for help. While overtime is occasionally necessary, be aware of just how much overtime you do – if you are doing too much, you may be taking on more than you can do on your own.

Stress management techniques are useful tools, especially for those who have high commitments everyday, where stressful situations are nothing new. Remember that each person is different and each of us requires different stress management techniques to suit our lifestyles.