DEALING WITH STRESS

Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands. For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. Just as stress can manifest itself in a number of ways, stress can be caused by a number of things. Unknown to many, stress is actually very detrimental to our health.When we are stressed, our body produces more of the stress hormone, adrenaline.

  

Although it is vital for our survival, it increases our blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar levels, and prepares us for fight, or flight. Additionally, stress causes mood swings, and anxiety, lowering our sex drive, bone mass, immunity, and overall quality of life.  It also ages us, and invites disease

Stress  can have a negative impact on your otherwise healthy lifestyle and can really impact your efforts towards weight loss

Your reasons to be stressed could be anything ranging from relationship pressure to work pressure, loneliness or self-esteem. Here's what you can do to combat stress- how you can fight it and deal with it in a positive and relaxing way

• Make a list – Nothing beats stress like striking things off your to-do list. Prioritize and have a separate list for your top three priorities and another one for the mundane. Once you have your priorities in place everything else re- arranges itself

• Make an “I Did” List- To do lists can be a helpful organizational tool, but when they are pages long they can overwhelm you and cause you to worry.  Instead, make an “I Did” list and write all the things you accomplished that day or that week.  Your accomplishments is an important part of stress management.

• Say No – This is an art, which needs to be learnt. Especially in our society, saying yes and then weaseling out of a commitment is more of a norm than an anomaly. How often have you promised david to go for that movie, promised mom to be home for dinner and promised to take your girlfriend out for dinner the same night? Learning to say no when required will ease your stress if you are pre-disposed to over-committing.

• Be a Kid- There is an inner child that resides inside each one of us.  Joining in your children’s fun can be just the thing you need to remind you to just let loose and enjoy!

•  Indulge - Never mind if you have neither the time nor the resources for a long vacation or the spa. It’s the small indulges that really count. It maybe a luxurious body-wash that smells divine. Those small indulgences make a world of a difference

• Visualization Vacation- While it is unfortunately impossible to take a physical vacation every day, you can take a mental one.  Whether it is looking at photos of you on a wonderful vacation, or viewing pictures online of a place you would like to go, visualize yourself taking a break to help give yourself a daily vacation

• Have a Laugh- Take a few minutes to look up funny videos online.  Laughter and viewing silly things can take you out of that serious, stressed state, and put you in a lighter mood!

•  Take a walk with your loved one - Going for a long walk with your spouse or even your dog at the end of a long day is a great way to de-stress. A nice long walk outside can relax you and let you organize your thoughts. Talking, holding hands or just listening is something to look forward to. Not to mention the benefits of an activity like walking itself. Just being active reduces stress

•  Exercise – Studies have already proved that working out can help alleviate stress .Short bursts of activity is said to have a marvelous impact on reducing inflammation and stress related diseases. Try yoga, dancing, etc

• Meditate- Though it may seem unnatural, taking 5-10 minutes to sit in a quiet space, closing your eyes, and taking some deep breaths can make you feel like a new person.  Clearing your mind for a few minutes every day can help you focus and feel refreshed!

•  Go easy on yourself – You can't achieve anything by worrying too much or finding faults in yourself. It’s better to accept your limits and not get bogged down by the impossible. If you are always judging yourself and beating yourself up about any shortcomings, it may be a good idea to step back and be realistic.

• Bubble Bath- It may seem cliche, but there is something about taking a bubble bath that can make all your stress melt away.  Use soaps with luxurious scents like vanilla, lavender, and jasmine to enhance the experience.

•  Phone a Friend- Take a few minutes to call a close friend just to say hello.  Not only will you brighten her day, it will make you happy to talk to someone outside of your realm of stress.

• Look in a Book- Find a book that you have been wanting to read and make it a point to read one chapter a night.  Immerse yourself in the story and step into the characters shoes for a while!

•  Mirror, Mirror- Take a look at yourself in the mirror and list all the good things in your life.  Stress can take us away from the many positives that surround us on a daily basis.  Bringing your mind back to those things you are proud of or that bring you joy can make certain stressful elements seem trivial and it can put a new perspective on your day!