In our last blog post we talked about STRESS and the effects that it can have on our bodies. From contributing to heart disease, diabetes and stroke, to mental and emotional strain. Finding a way to beat the burn out is essential to a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. But how do we do that in today’s hectic and ever changing fast paced world? I’m glad you asked!
Let’s explore some simple ways that we can de-stress without having to invest a lot of time or money to do so.
Get Moving
Being active doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the gym. You can incorporate exercise while gardening, cleaning the house, walking, jogging, biking, swimming or sports. Anything that gets those feel-good endorphins flowing! Refocusing your mind on your physical movements for short bursts throughout the day improves mood and helps battle stress.
Evaluate Your Habits
Eating unhealthy foods, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and use of illegal drugs are all ways people deal with stress. However, these habits are actually making our bodies sick, and contributing to our overall decline in physical and mental well being. Big surprise, huh?
Make Healthy Changes
Replacing those unhealthy habits with better choices will do a body good. Eating a well-balanced diet and drinking lots of water is so important. Make sure you’re getting enough fruits and veggies and avoiding processed foods. Skip the drive thru and make a meal at home. It’s better for you and you will be able to spend more quality time with loved ones!
Laugh Often
One of my favorite things to do! Did you know that a good, hearty laugh can relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation for up to 45 minutes? It also boosts the immune system and increases your resistance to disease. Laughter really is the best medicine and that makes me OH SO HAPPY!
Crank Up The Volume
Music is processed directly by the amygdala, which is the part of the brain involved in mood and emotions. It boosts the brains production of the hormone dopamine. The increased dopamine lowers the bodies stress and anxiety levels. Also, by reducing stress levels and providing a strong competing stimulus to the pain signals that enter the brain, music therapy can assist in pain management. So crank up your favorite music, dance like no one is watching and improve your mood!
Hit The Sack
Are you stressed out? Are you sleep deprived? Research shows that most people who are stressed out are not getting enough sleep, and those who aren’t getting enough sleep are stressed out! Both stress and sleep deprivation overtime, can have a serious effect on your body, leading to lasting mental and physical health issues. If you have trouble sleeping there are many techniques that you can do to help you relax and form healthy sleep patterns. Turn off the screens, do some yoga or meditate before bed and create a relaxing environment for optimal sleep!
Speaking of Yoga
It’s a great stress reliever! By bringing together the mind, body and spirit, you are able to focus on the present moment, while taking a break from the world around you. Your mood is then lifted and your sense of connection to a higher spirituality is strengthened for an over all spike in mental clarity and fulfillment.
In conclusion there are many great ways to battle stress. This is just a small list that can get you started down the right path to a more relaxed and stress-LESS lifestyle.