Stress really does have a lot to answer for. Not only can it affect you mentally, but it can also accelerate premature ageing by releasing free radicals into your body.

One type of stress is caused by the split between your ‘present’ self (the person you are right now) and your ‘projected’ self (the person you strive to be).

Stress is generated when you feel as though you haven’t reached “the next step” in your life.

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and live in the present, looking after the person you are now.

Eckhart Tolle’s The Power Of Now is an excellent starting point to being in the present.