"Happiness is not being pained in body or troubled in mind." - Jefferson

We all know that one of the causes of heart attack is the clogging up of blood vessels and arteries by a substance in the blood called cholesterol. As science matures, medical discoveries confirmed that there's also "good cholesterol" which actually helps the body fight the effects of the bad one. Another study similarly declares that it takes a lifetime for a blood vessel to become completely clogged, and tends to challenge the above statements.

These contradictory pronouncements are quite confusing, and sometimes amusing. However, there's one finding scientists and scholars agree as one: Stress Kills! Conclusions weigh heavily on work-related stress as the biggest contributor to heart attacks, oftentimes resulting to death. Job stress has an obvious harmful implication on health, particularly the cardiovascular system, as validated by studies that job strain increases the chance of a first coronary heart disease.

Job strain, as specifically defined by researchers, involves high psychological demands with low decision control. It manifests as a feeling of heaviness and pressure on one's physical and mental capacities, being overwhelmed and filled with anxiety. Stress, as it is commonly known, puts undue pressure on the individual and greatly hampers good performance.

By nature, different individuals react differently to stress. Some people are like horses and seem to cope with stress more readily, while others are like butterflies and easily break down even with the slightest pressure. They also have different ways of dealing with stressful situations, using methods that fit their respective personalities.

In managing stress, there are various techniques available for different types of people to utilize and practice. The most effective manner, however, is to stay relaxed and centered. Relaxation is a crucial component in any stress management program. It induces peace and tranquility, replacing fear and anxiety. It is just like lighting a candle to drive away darkness.

There are several stress management techniques that can be applied by people who have high-pressure lives. Unlike adrenalin, however, they are not expected to provide sudden bursts of energy. Instead, they intend to enhance a person's performance at work and other daily routine in a constant manner.

Knowing the harmful effect of stress on health and personal life, it is advised to "nip it in the bud" and not allow it to go unattended. Physical activities such as sports, dancing, running and swimming are good ways of releasing stress from the body. Others prefer doing meditation, yoga, massage therapy and listening to nature sounds to help in relieving stress.

Very recently, there's a highly effective way of managing stress which can be done with the least amount of time and effort, known as subliminal messaging. As a busy person, I would prefer this method because it can be done while doing routine activities, during break periods, and even while resting.

This technique has been the subject of many debates and disputed by proponents of other methods. While we don't intend to argue, having experienced the beneficial effects of subliminal messaging is sufficient proof of its effectiveness. As the saying goes; "You cannot argue success." But then again, nobody can decide what you want but yourself. It is important that you choose a particular stress relief program depending on your lifestyle, and with diligent application, you can definitely beat the stress out of your life.