By Barbara Floria, Pure Matters

Stress exists in your mind -- but it's also evident in your stomach, heart, muscles and even your toes.

"In fact, stress may affect every cell in your body," says M. Ronald Glaser, Ph.D., a professor at Ohio State University Medical School.

During stressful times, your body produces various chemicals, including cortisol, an immune-suppressing hormone. The more cortisol produced, the weaker your immune cells become and the more susceptible you are to illness.

"A one-day stressor isn't going to make a big change in your risk of getting a cold, for example," says Dr. Glaser. "But a chronic stressor that lasts a few weeks could dampen your immune response and create a risk of disease."

Migraine headaches, sleep disorders, backaches, skinrashes, fatigue, irritability, headache, depression, worry, mood swings, chest pain, anxiety, upset stomach, ulcers and high blood pressure are common reactions to stress.

By gaining a better understanding of the stress/disease connection, you can reduce your stress and, in turn, improve your health and well-being.

Keeping stress in check

No one can avoid all stress -- and a certain amount actually is good for you. But it's best to keep unhealthy levels in check.

The following steps can help you control everyday stress: