According to the author ……………

Stress is important. We all need a certain amount of it in order to lead fulfilling lives. However, if we have too much of it, it can have the opposite effect. Some people can tolerate greater levels of stress than others, but most of us will suffer at some time in our lives. It is therefore a good idea to learn a few stress management techniques. Identifying the cause of the problem we have, so that we can solve it more effectively, is one of the first steps towards reducing stress. The second is talking to a person you can trust, who will listen and, if necessary, give you some positive advice. Not only are smoking and drink¬ing harmful to our health, they actually increase stress rather than reduce it. So, next time you want to relax, instead of reaching for that glass of wine or a cigarette, have a warm bath or go for a walk. Walking has more than health benefits, it helps you think more clearly, too. Pets have a calming influence on us, unless they make noise which irritates us. In fact, unwanted noises should be avoided as far as possible. On the other hand, laughter is one of the best ways to make yourself feel considerably better.