There are several things going on in the world today that cause each and every one of us stress. The job market sucks, people are being laid off left and right, homes are being foreclosed on, and the bill collectors are calling our jobs. The important bills are being paid, the others are left to chance, and there's barely enough money left to put food on the table and gas in the tank. This alone is enough to drive anyone into a state of depression, cause anxiety, hopelessness, stress, or to be just downright sick and tired. But let's make this a little more realistic.

Let's not forget your daily routine. You make sure the kids are up, dressed, packed up and ready for school, or daycare. Maybe you have to get your spouse up, dressed, packed up and ready for work too! Now you get yourself ready and out the door only to head out into a world of chaos you have NO control over...TRAFFIC! Stop and go, stop and go, jerks cutting you off, and finally an hour later you've conquered your commute. But now, the real task at hand is that J-O-B! The walk in you're preparing yourself for this 9-5 with your pain in the ass boss, that 1 coworker that just makes you want to...sorry...and everything else that goes along with working and abiding by someone else's rules. Sound remotely familiar?? Yes? Well in that case I have another question for you. Are you tired, stressed, or depressed?? Maybe 1, or maybe all 3. If the answer is no...YOU LUCKY DOG YOU! Find another post to read. If the answer is yes...I'm there with you, so let's continue.

Some of us hit the fridge for a cold brew to rid ourselves of all those life stresses. Some take a minute out on the porch to have a smoke. Both very common, however I don't recommend them. So what's REALLY going to bring you out of the stressed, depressed, and tired fog? What's going to help you achieve relief enough that you find the youthful, energetic, vigorous, "I'm not going to get my panties in a bunch" version of yourself?

How would you like to spend your weekends enjoying and spending time with your loved ones? Maybe just spending time alone, reading a good book, watching an old movie. How about possibly hanging out with friends; a day out on the town. Whatever the case may be, I would choose that over the weekend of stressing and dreading the week to come, still souring over the events of last week. So stressed out that you don't even want to see your children, your spouse, or even the dog coming in your direction.

So back to what we can do about all these stress and depressed feelings. Aside from the least healthy and least recommended options I described before, there's always a pretty little prescription from a nice doctor man. Abilify, Cymbalta, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, (just to name a few.). But let's talk quickly about the most common side affects of all of these. Those under 25 may experience worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts. (I thought we were trying to get rid of that?!) Trouble sleeping, panick attacks, hostile feelings, impulsive actions, very rapid speech. Others include, easy bruising, decreased interest in sex, tremors and unusual weight loss. But wait THERE'S MORE! Black bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, serotonin syndrome, hallucinations, and men....a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours may be in store for you! GREAT! I'll take it. I THINK NOT!!! Let's talk about the REAL, NATURAL, GET THE OLD YOU BACK, alternative to the meds, energy drinks, coffe, ciggarettes and beer.

Author's Bio: 

Jacquelyn is a single mother, full-time employee, rising entrepreneur, and a believer in all things alternative and natural. She loves educating people on everything from the dangers of the toxins in our personal care products, to natural alternatives to prescription drugs. She is passionate about what she does and what she teaches and it always willing to find an "alternative" answer.