The term “stress” was coined over 50 years ago by Hans Selye, an endocrinologist. Selye states, “Stress is the body’s nonspecific response to a demand placed on it.”  Stress is a good short term response of the body.  It gives a boost of energy and is motivating in situations where we need to act quickly and efficiently.  Unfortunately we often function under prolonged stress or our body fails to return to a non fight or flight response.

Common Statistics about the negative effects of stress:

• 70 to 80% percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related illnesses.

• People who experience heightened levels of anxiety are 4 to 5 times more likely to have a fatal heart attack or stroke.

• 50% of all illnesses are caused by stress.