How stressed out are you these days?  We've drafted a list of questions that might help you in determining your level of stress. At minimum, we hope that they will get you seriously thinking about your needs and the importance of keeping stress at a healthy level.

Anxiety & Stress Overload

How do you answer the following questions?

• How long has it been since you've taken a vacation?  A vacation to a place where you wanted to go - not a vacation to a family member's house?

• How many days off do you have each week?  Each year?  Do you spend most of your time off tending to errands and responsibilities rather than relaxing and doing what you wish to do?

• Do you spend much time with friends?  Is that time stealing over into your personal relaxation time or does spending time with friends actually help you relax?

• Do you get adequate sleep each night? Do you dream? Pleasant dreams or nightmares?  How many times each night do you get up?  How long does it take for you to fall asleep?

• Do leg cramps keep you awake at night?  Back issues?

• How often do you have sex?  Is it enjoyable?  Painful?  Difficult?

• Do family issues weigh heavily on your mind or are you able to easily brush them off?

• What do you do to relax?

• Are holidays rushed or are they generally peaceful and rewarding?

• Do you and your partner often spar? Over the same issue?  Over different issues?

• Do you often find yourself reaching for a snack or beverage when stressed or when you need to unwind?

• How taxing is work?  Do you enjoy your job?  Is your boss a real boss?  A good boss?

Determining the answers to the above questions can play a key role in helping to conquer stress. Some of the oldest living people tend to be among the less-stressed.  Issues were kept realistic and they looked forward to rising each day so that they could do what they enjoyed doing.  

If family issues are weighing heavily on you, try to put them into perspective.  If you don't enjoy your boss, find a job and a boss that you will enjoy.  If the holidays are rushed, shake things up!  Relax, make things easy.  While china plates might make a lasting memory, paper plates can be fun and relaxing.  

If you are experiencing sexual issues, sleeping issues, issues with your partner or family, put those issues to rest by either seeing your doctor or talking out unresolved issues.  Nothing is ever accomplished by ranting.

About that vacation.  Do it for you!

In Summary & The Links: Let's face facts - the body requires rest and relaxation in order to put it into perfect balance.  Rest and relaxation are vital during the weight loss phase.  The links below provide tips for weight loss and stress relievers that are intended to lessen the stress for the dieter.   Stress & Weight Gain Three Relaxing Stress Relievers Stress, Constipation & Weight Gain Relaxing Tonics