Being healthy does not only mean being physically healthy. Mental health and emotional health play a very strong role in our sense of wellbeing. Women, in the 21^st century, seem to be facing more and more stress in their daily lives. Many situations give rise to anger and frustration. All these negative emotions may lead to a feeling of exhaustion, malaise and a general sense of being unwell. Learning to deal with stress is a very important life skill.

Why do we get stressed?

Stress is not always bad. When the body perceives physical danger or feels mental pressure, the body reacts by producing certain hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These result in the ‘fight or flee phenomenon’ which energizes the body to either stay and fight or flee speedily. Generally, these hormones work with us and enable us to overcome obstacles, to face our fears and to achieve our goals.

When does stress become bad?

There are trigger points for stress. When these trigger points are activated repeatedly, even without the original stimulus, we develop a classic Pavlovian reflex, where all the stress related symptoms manifest themselves predictably. Adrenaline and cortisol can cause symptoms like palpitations, stomach pain, sweating and a dry mouth. When repeatedly released into the system, these hormones can result in hypertension, ulcers, heart disease and anxiety.