18 tips for managing stress

Stress is a normal part of everyday life and its almost unavoidable; it could be positive or negative but regardless it leaves an individual feeling emotionally and physically overwhelmed. Nevertheless positive stress is good  as it can motivate you and help you become more productive while negative stress can be harmful and often leads to anxiety, mental and physical problems as well as decreased performance.
     Positive stress may arise from factors like starting a new job, having a child, holiday season, taking a vacation, planning an event, receiving a promotion at work, taking educational classes or learning a new hobby e.t.c. On the other hand, negative stress may arise from factors like excessive job demands, death of a loved one , separation from a spouse, conflicts in interpersonal relationships, hospitalization, unemployment, financial problems and many more.

18 Tips for managing stress effectively

1. Start off your day with breakfast.
2. Instead of drinking coffee all day, switch to fruit juice.
3. Avoid trying to do multiple tasks at the same time.
4. Learn to say NO. Stop trying to please everybody.
5. Make time for relaxation and fun
6. Develop a support network (family and friends).
7. Always ask for help whenever you feel overwhelmed.
8. Take a mindful walk and practice meditation regularly.
9. Get regular exercises.
10. Organize your work by setting priorities.
11. Try to find something funny in a difficult situation.
12. Go for vacation or special weekend getaway.
13. Listen to music.
14. Visit a spa regularly.
15. Always appreciate and praise yourself at the end of every task performed.
16. Reward yourself  for every goal accomplished or targets met.
17. Optimize your health with good nutrition, sleep and rest.
18. Pray to God.

8 ways of overcoming body odor

Body Odor (popularly known as B.O) is a perceived unpleasant smell our bodies can produce when bacteria that lives on the skin break down sweat into acids.B.O becomes evident and pronounced if certain steps are not taken before or when an individual reaches puberty. B.O is more likely to occur in the groin, feet ,armpits, genitals, pubic hair and feet. The following are predisposing factors to B.O:

• Obese people
• People who regularly eat spicy foods e.g garlic, onions e.t.c
• Individuals with certain medical conditions
• Individuals on certain medications 
• Some drinks like alcohol
• People suffering from excessive sweating(hyperhidrosis)

Tips on preventing or overcoming body odor

1. Regularly shave the armpits and pubic hair because hair slows down evaporation of sweat. 
2. Shower at least once a day and twice a day if the weather is extremely hot.
3. Use antibacterial soap when bathing and washing the armpits.
4. Reduce intake of spicy foods because they have the tendency to make sweat smell pungent
5. Wear clothes made of cotton or wool because this allows the skin to breathe and enhances evaporation of sweat.
6. Always keep your clothes fresh and clean.
7. Avoid certain drinks like alcohol; avoid smoking as well
8. Use antiperspirant or deodorant; this blocks the action of sweat glands resulting in less sweating.