STRESS is good. It motivates performance and saves us from bad situations. But unless you can identify and manage your stress, it can compound into a daunting enemy working against you.

Being aware of your stress level is the first line of defense. Most often stress carries physical symptoms of pain, stiffness, mood swings or anxiety. Good news, they can all be treated. There are numerous ways to handle stress successfully, starting with a pro-active approach. Pin point the cause and reduce its power. Eliminate environments that induce stress and find other options.

Chronic pain can be debilitating. First find the source, consult with your doctor and adopt a pain management routine that helps keep your everyday lifestyle together. Some chronic pain can be stress induced and treatable with meditation, Qigong, Tong Ren Therapy and changing old patterns.

Time management is one way to reduce the pressure of stress, while simplifying and de-cluttering can make tremendous headway toward feeling better. Journaling, self-coaching and balancing life are imperative. Lifestyle changes and personal happiness can dissipate symptoms and make the world seem a little nicer.

Food intake, being over weight, and self-indulgent illnesses trigger stress.  Be honest with yourself and find help when stress takes control.

Be an open book and look at every possibility for seeing your glass half full. Then fill it up to the brim.