The stresses of life are many today. The various factors that can effect our safety, security and peace of mind are numerous.

Dr. T. H. Holmes of the University of Washington created what he called his Social Readjustment Rating Scale, in which he assigned numerical values to many different types of stressful situations.

According to Dr. Holmes, death of a spouse resulted in 100 stress points, retirement 45 points, change to a different line of work 36 points, a jail term 63 points, vacation 13 points, trouble with your boss 23 points and an outstanding personal achievement 28 points.

Getting married is nearly as stressful as a jail term! And retirement is more stressful than changing to a different line of work. What this tells us is that stress is not always caused by a negative event. More important than the stresses themselves is the person's ability to cope with them. In fact, stress is a necessary part of life. Pioneering stress researcher Dr. Hans Selye called stress, "the spice of life".

Stress can also be caused by physical circumstances such as hunger, a poor diet or pollution. Also the effects of stress are not just emotional. Stress is implicated in many diseases including allergies, asthma, eczema, arthritis, cancer, colitis, hypertension, ulcers, diabetes, menstrual problems and frequent infections.

Here are some ways to deal with stress:

Eat well

A poor diet leaves you run down and prone to illness. Moreover, in times of stress your body requires more nutrients. Increased adrenaline production causes the body to step up its metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to rapidly produce energy for the body to use.

This response causes the body to eliminate amino acids, potassium, and phosphorus. Magnesium and calcium can also become depleted.

In addition, the body does not absorb ingested nutrients well under stress. However, don't obsess about your diet and become stressed by that, but try to eliminate highly processed foods with artificial colours and additives.

Avoid too much caffeine, fried foods and sugar which are particularly harmful to the nervous system.

Exercise

You feel better, think better and act better when your physical energy is strong. Beneficial exercise does not require strenuous activity, stressing and straining your lungs, heart and muscles. Gentle exercise like Tai chi can be practised for health, relaxation and self-defence.

Set your own standards

Cultural standards abound making you feel you must amass more and more things-a big house, clothes, furniture, electronics, cars. Possessions do not equal happiness.

Get a good night's sleep

You might try a relaxing cup of herbal tea such as chamomile or catnip before turning in. Or take an aromatherapy bath. For insomnia due to emotional stress, Aromatherapist Jane Dye recommends a bath of neroli, lavender or chamomile.

Add the oils of your choice to a maximum of eight drops. CD's for better sleep are also available which you could play as you drift off.

Laugh

Laughter truly is the best medicine. Laughter, like exercise, can help restore balance to your system. Go see a funny movie.

Try Flower Remedies

Many people who have difficulty coping with stress find flower remedies very helpful. Flower remedies were originally developed earlier this century by Edward Bach, a British physician interested in the link between emotions and physical illness. There are 38 different flower remedies used to address a wide variety of complaints.

The remedies have no side effects and can be taken on the tongue or added to a drink. Try elm if you are feeling overwhelmed by responsibility.

Walnut to assist in adjustment to transition or change, e.g. Puberty, menopause, divorce or new surroundings.

Dr. Bach's best known remedy is called Rescue Remedy. This combination of five flowers, has a positive calming effect and is used worldwide for everything from pre-exam jitters to bereavement. Remember you can choose how to react to stress. People with spiritual values seem to weather stressful situations more successfully.

According to world renowned author and spiritual figure Paramahansa Yogananda even the most terrible sorrow is healed by time.

"Nothing is gained by reliving it everyday. Making yourself miserable by nurturing an inferiority complex or punishing yourself for past mistakes or failures will not get you anywhere. Never allow yourself to get into negative ruts," says Yogananda.