Coping with Stress
External events can be upsetting. But remember it is not the events, but reactions to them that are important. [19]

Unfortunately, fighting or running is rarely a useful response to modern difficulties. Much stress comes from an accelerated pace of living [18] that is exacerbated by sedentary lifestyle.

Major life changes occur with increasing frequency such as moving to a new city, relationship upheavals, or changes in employment. In addition, today' s stresses are often ambiguous and ongoing, for example money worries, environmental concerns, interpersonal conflict, or job expectations. [18]

The next step is to choose a way to deal with stress. One way is to avoid the event or thing that leads to stress but often this is not possible. A second way is to change reactions to stress. This response is often the best way [10]

Interventions include...Massage, aromatherapy, herbal teas may be helpful for some

Theraputic interventions are appropriate when sleep disturbances fatigue agitation gastrointestinal distress, headaches, mood swings, chest pain persist.[21]

Medical treatment when trauma or anxiety is present is recommended.[13]

Tips for dealing with stress

• Do not worry about things that cannot be controlled, like the weather.
• Prepare for events that may be stressful, like a job interview.
• Try to look at change as a positive challenge, not a threat.
• Work to resolve conflicts with other people.
• Ask for help from friends, family or professionals.
• Set realistic goals at home and at work.
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Eat well-balanced meals and get enough sleep. 
• Meditate.
• Get away from daily stresses with group sports, social events and hobbies. [10]

Without a sense of resolution, knowing that danger has passed, body and mind receive no clear signal that it is safe to stop, relax and recuperate.[5]

Long term consequences of unrelieved stress are high blood pressure, anxiety, depression and excessive worry. [13]

When stress becomes chronic, health problems emerge [7] an excessive sympathetic nervous system response can contribute to development and exacerbation of coronary artery disease as well as endothelial dysfunction. [3]

Adaptations that stimulate platelet function, and increase blood viscosity provide protection for healthy individuals during traumatic events, can create health risks that include heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms and stroke for individuals who are unfit, especially when a relaxation response fails to occur if stress is unresolved. [17],[31]

Exercise can change the Brain
For years many exercise enthusiasts have suspected that exercise positively affects the brain as well as the body. But while it seemed logical that an active lifestyle would help the brain, the scientific evidence was lacking. Now several biological studies indicate that working out does benefit the brain.The new insights help confirm the notion that exercise has overall health benefits and also may lead to specialized physical activity programs for patients. [2],[36]. [Tutorial - Exercise and Stress]

Exercise is another potential pathway to reducing both depression and risk of heart disease. A recent study found that participation in an exercise training program was comparable to treatment with an antidepressant medication (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) for improving depressive symptoms in older adults diagnosed with major depression.[3]

What are stress related disorders?  

Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression [9],[30] Generalized Anxiety Disorder [5],[26] are disorders related to stress.

The National Institute of Mental Health recognizes exercise as a valid treatment for anxiety and depression.[14] source document [NIMH Article]

"A recent study found that participation in an exercise training program was comparable to treatment with an antidepressant medication (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) for improving depressive symptoms."