ountless books and publications published on ways to reduce and cope with stress.According to Melanie Seligman, author of "Stress Success" one of the most effective ways to help yourself cope with pressured job and family commitments is to boost your immune system. She explains that recurring colds or flu, allergies and feeling tired after a long night's rest are signs that your immune system is not operating properly. Seligman describes the immune system as a person's "interface with the environment." "Your immune system is the first line of defense when infection strikes the body. Like the nervous system, the immune system is capable of learning" (Seligman, 2000, p. 38). Essentially, Seligman is indicating that emotional states like depression and grief can weaken immunity, whereas loving can enhance it and make it stronger. She also suggests that peole should avoid the temptation to use antibiotics too often as that will harm white blood cells and in the end weaken the immune system (Seligman, 2000, p. 38). Along the same vein of thinking is another study which shows that along with a healthy diet and a strong immune system, you should not neglect the power of exercise. Over 1000 studies have indicated that exercise has been shown to reduce stress. For the optimal effect, the results show that you should try aerobic exercise that increases your heart rate for 20 minutes or more. One of the reasons that exercise helps reduce stress is because it distracts you from whatever it is that is causing stress. It also helps eliminate excess energy, which can stem from and contribute to stress (Sress Reduction Techniques 2000). Exercise has a calming effect and can lead to decreased emotional distress and better concentration. And it makes you feel more capable of handling chanllenges, such as tackling the cause of your stress. Exercise also helps counter possible diseases that are exacerbated by chronic stress, such as coronary arter...
