Stress overload occurs when your day-to-day pressures, or the pressures of a situation, are too intense to cope with mentally and physically. Many of us can relate to this, but very few of us actually take the pro-active steps necessary to manage our time, our resources and ourselves appropriately.

Stress is the response that occurs when the body responds difficult situations known as stressors. Chemicals known as stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol are released in the body. These chemicals enhance your ability to perform well under pressure and are necessary and useful for survival in the face of physical danger. Good examples are when you are writing exams or partake in competitions. In this state referred to as "good stress", small doses of the stress hormones can help to keep you on your toes and heighten your performance.

These chemicals however can also become toxic if you are exposed to prolonged periods of stress. When the body's defences remain activated and continue to release these chemicals over a prolonged period, the body's reserves are being worn away. Your immune system becomes weakened over time and you are left depleted, overwhelmed and prone to illness.

Examples of prolonged stress pressures are death or divorce, relationship problems, personal illness or injury, planning a marriage, parenting, being bullied at school, financial debt, unemployment or when you have no time to rest and are always on the go.

There will always be some elements of stress present in your life and the challenge is to practice stress management and to not allow stress to affect your health or emotional and mental well-being.

Don't wait until you have reached critical or breaking point, or even burn out.

Contact your closest Centre today to see an experienced consultant who will help you manage your stress and feel more in control.