TO have some pressure in our lives is normal and, indeed, unavoidable. But when there is too much pressure, or it goes on for too long, and it becomes more than we can cope with, then our health can suffer. This unpleasant reaction to too much pressure or other types of demands placed on us is called stress.

Think of blood pressure - we all have it, but when it gets high, we should do something about it. Stress is just the same.

What is stress?

When we find ourselves under some kind of pressure, our bodies respond automatically by releasing adrenaline to ensure we are prepared for action and are able to meet the challenges before us:

• Muscles become tense
• Our breathing becomes faster and shallower in an effort to get more air into the body, and we may feel breathless
• Heart races
• We feel like we want to run, yet legs might turn to jelly
• The mind is racing and we may feel dizzy and lightheaded
• We have difficulty swallowing
• We may feel sick
• We shiver or sweat more than usual

This automatic reaction to a threatening situation is known as the "fight or flight" response. The body produces hormones, including one called adrenaline, which help prepare our bodies either to run away or be poised and ready to react.

These changes are short-lived and recede when the pressure or threat stops. The body's response sharpens our mental and physical skills, focuses our attention, fires us up and is generally very helpful in helping us cope with pressure.

Too much pressure, on the other hand, makes us less productive and often results in health problems. So an acceptable amount of pressure can make us feel good and too much can make us feel vulnerable and out of control.