Stress has become a sort of umbrella term in modern Western society, a catchphrase used to define many issues not necessarily related to it. While it is a problem that lies in root of numerous health issues, its omnipresence points towards the public's lack of awareness and understanding.

We have to wonder – do people realize how much stress affects them, and how much are they aware of its far-reaching consequences? These problems are social, psychological and emotional in nature, and stress is a precursor, linking them to development of acute body conditions, such as diseases. In order to fight them, we must define the true meaning behind the term.

Under stress, our body goes into a particular mode of operation, realizing it's under attack. Stress is never a one-sided affair; whether it's emotional or physical, it eventually links together – physical tension can cause mental anguish. Change of circumstances can lead to decrease in our physical well-being, so the overall effect is cumulative.

Today, we are used to multitasking: it is the way of life that seemingly leaves us with little choice but to adapt. But what is the cost of this adaptation? The permanent distractions do little to help decrease anxiety levels, constantly floating from one topic to the next. Eventually, the only viable response is to lock down and go on the defensive. At that point, we're fighting a losing battle, so the key is to understand the steps leading to this stage.

It is in the nature of humans to unwind after a long day of work, and Chinese medicine always sought to sync itself with the basic facts of life. In ancient society, people had some pressing topics to take care of – to obtain food, find shelter: you don't work, you don't eat, you die. The necessity of survival came to the forefront, and this simple outlook helped with eventual stress relief. You simply had to remove the threat and enjoy the fruits of your work. No other way around it.

Chinese perspective on stress views it as a compound, an amorphous blob that leads to the same end result, no matter what it consists of. It weighs us down, makes us depressed and forces us to act as if it's a completely normal fact of life, while undermining our health.

This is particularly evident when you combine all the exposure a person gets from modern society and its interconnectedness. All the social media beeps and bleeps, intrusive marketing schemes, work pressure, and worst of all – the need to always be available. By playing this game, you're exposing yourself to constant tension, eroding your mental structure.

Wisdom of ancient China can teach us to adopt a simpler viewpoint in order to untangle these complex issues. We need to start taking care of our priorities, and understanding what matters and what doesn't can filter out a lot of background noise. Even the smallest step can bring us closer to achieving our spiritual and physical goals. Start today! Find a moment that is truly yours, and there you will find a grain of comfort from which you can start building an inner peace of mind. The relief you'll feel is your body saying thanks.