Are you feeling that there are too many pressures and demands on you.? Loosing sleep worrying about tests and schoolwork? Experiencing the butterflies in stomach before having to speak in public, nervous before a first date,eating on the run just because you are too busy? You are not alone. Everyone experiences stress at times-adults,teens and even kids.Stress is what tou feel when you have to handle more than you are used to.When you are stressed your body responds as though you are in danger.It makes hormones that speed up your heart beat, make you breathe faster and give you a burst of energy. This is called fight or flight stress response.

Some stress is normal and even conducive to produce favourable results. It may motivate you to work hard or react quiickly.But if this stress happens quite often or lasts too long, it can have bad effects. It can cause headaches , upset stomach , back pain or trouble sleeping. It can weaken your immune system making it hard to fight off the disease.If you already have a health problem stress may make it worse.It can make you moody , tense or depressed. Your relationships may suffer and you may not do well at work or school.

Among other things a proper balance diet plays a crucial role in the management of stress . During the period of stress when you are expected to have more emotional physical and intellectual resilience a healthy person is in a better position to combat the situation than an unhealthy and weak one.

One needs all the nutrients in sufficient quantity some specific nutrients more than the other . Vitamin B is required since it affects the nervous system which is a key component in the body reqired to fight stress.

Calcium is also necessary since it balances the effect of lactic acid and ensures the muscles to ease. Bananas, yoghurt and all other dairy produacts are good source of calcium.

Since stress uses up the nutrients in your body at a greater rate make sure you have adequate amount of magnesium and potassium. Magnesium helps muscles to relax. Potassium can be found in foods like orange juice, squashes,apricots , limes , bananas, tomatoes and peaches.

During the period of stress you should have whole grains and avoid processed foods. This gives you sustained energy to go on. Caffeine should be avoided under any circumstances.. It causes sleeplessness and can cause faster utilization of Vitamin B reserves. Resorting to alcohol for stress management is not a good idea since it also inhibits a restful sleep and also impairs judgement. Some people tend to resort to chocolates and sugary food during stress,sugar can provide a high but is generally followed by a low mood and such swings in feelings and enthusiasm level are best avoided.

And lastly maintain a healthy outlook towards life. Learn to think of challenges as opportunities and stressors as temporary problems not disasters. Take out time for relaxation. Be optimistic. A positive attitude coupled with a balanced diet will ward off the evil of stress away from you!!!!