And no wonder, we are living in stressful times.

Stress can lead to both short and long-term physical problems including impaired memory and learning abilities, hypertension, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis and a poorly functioning immune system. Unresolved, chronic stress has also been linked to the development of insulin resistance, a decreased ability to control our appetite and an increased tendency to retain body fat.

It's important to remember that chronic stress is both a psychological and a physiological event. In times of stress, our bodies release chemicals and hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which increase metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and muscle tension.

Obviously, stress caused by some specific outside agency, can be reduced, by eliminating whatever is causing the stress.

That's usually easier said, than done. If your job is the source of the stress, it ain't so easy to go out and get a new job!

But, every one can learn some simple ways to help reduce stress. Participating in physical activities, even if it's just a good brisk walk can really reduce your stress level. Learn some relaxation techniques that help you return your body to its lower stress state. Unresolved, stress builds, and the effects can be quite dangerous.

Here are some simple things you can do to combat stress:

• Make sure you're eating a SuperFoods diet and taking SuperFoodsRx supplements. The ingredients in the food and the SuperFoods SFRx Daily Dose have been proven to reduce stress, even out mood-swings, and improve memory and focus.
• Try meditation, deep breathing techniques or imagery techniques. See pages 177 to 180 in our SuperFoods Healthsyle book for more information about these techniques.
• Go for a walk. You can walk around the block or up and down a flight of stairs.
• Do a few stretches. Reach your arms up high and then slowly bend over until your arms and head are hanging down. Take a deep breath and repeat.
• Slowly drink a cup of tea. Slowly. Make sure you enjoy the aroma as you take each sip. One study showed that men who drank four cups of tea daily over a six-week period demonstrated lower cortisol levels after performing stressful tasks. They also reported increased feelings of relaxation after stressful tasks.
• Listen to your favorite music. Music can induce positive emotions and remind us of happy events in our lives.
• Get outside and be a part of nature. Enjoy the fragrances and experience the vivid visual images of being outdoors. Since it's spring, look for new flowers or a nesting bird.

There's no doubt about it, we are experiencing stressful times but you don't have to let stress build-up and lead to serious health problems. Try a few of these suggestions and you'll be able to combat your stress.