When we have plenty of energy we can handle anything without experiencing stress. If we lack energy even the slightest demands can cause us to become stressed.

Usually our first response when we start to feel stressed is to cut back on our activities so we don't feel so much pressure: "I'm doing too much, I need to cut down". However this is rarely the most effective strategy. Whilst it can be useful to cut out unnecessary or unwanted activities, reducing demand can eventually lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction. Each time you reduce a demand you eliminate a challenge from your life. If you do this too often your life gradually becomes less challenging and less productive. For example if you decide not to go for promotion because you want to avoid stress you lose an opportunity to develop yourself. If you cut down on your hobbies or social life because you have a demanding job you may feel you are missing out on something valuable to you.

Another option is much more positive - increase your energy so you can handle more demands. This gives you the chance to increase your capacity and to handle a richer and more interesting life. If you increase your energy you increase your capacity for life and you are more positive and confident. You can handle more challenges and you feel satisfied because you are able to handle your life better. You experience more, achieve more and enjoy life more.

The symptoms of stress act as an early warning system. They tell us that we are getting out of balance. If the imbalance continues or gets worse we run the risk of getting sick in the future. When you start to feel the symptoms of stress it is time to do something about your energy. The sooner you go into action the better. Preventing stress prevents later disease, unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

Having a good level of energy makes you feel:

• Positive
• Motivated
• Confident
• Focussed
• Relaxed

It gives you the belief to be able to achieve whatever you want.

To find out more about energy and stress download our e-book 'More Energy,
Less Stress'.

To increase your energy and decrease your stress try a free online relaxation session.