Everyone has some type of stress in his or her life. If we didn’t, we would cease to experience some of the most exciting elements of the human experience: drive, ambition, and hope. But it is how we deal with and mitigate unhealthy stresses like anxiety and exhaustion that makes us truly successful. Undue stress causes strain on the organs, leads to fatigue, immune dysfunction and other more serious ailments, and left unchecked can even be life threatening. Ambition is good, but when you begin to feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, it’s time to take a few steps back and take care of yourself by doing some—or all—of the following:
Set goals: Without goals, life can seem aimless and without purpose. Define your own personal goals so that you know what you are working towards and what you don’t need to worry about. This will clear some of the mental clutter.
Eat healthy: When you eat well, you have one less thing to worry about. Poor nutrition leads to health problems and a general feeling of malaise. Reducing stimulants like caffeine and sugar in your diet will help relieve stress. Eat slowly in a relaxing environment to encourage the digestive system to operate smoothly.
Take hot baths: A hot bath can be a relaxing break after a long, stressful day. It helps to soothe tight muscles as well as stressed nerves. Add some essential oils like lavender, which has a calming effect.
Exercise: Exercise is incredibly important to well being. It helps release endorphins, which are naturally calming to the nervous system, and it makes you feel good about yourself. Sometimes in this crazy world in which we have so little control, keeping in good physical shape is one thing we can control. Try to exercise at least five days a week, if not everyday, by walking, running, swimming, dancing, or lifting weights.
Practice breathing: You may be wondering why you should practice breathing, since it’s something you’ve been doing since birth. But, many of us breath incorrectly and inefficiently. Practice taking long, deep breaths into the belly, which are calming and relaxing. Try taking a yoga or meditation class that will help you learn proper breathing techniques.
Start practicing these 5 tips now, and stay tuned next week for the next 5 tips for reducing stress in your life. Go to Part II
Jody Braverman is a Seattle-based personal trainer, yoga instructor, and health and fitness writer. Contact her with comments or questions at JodyBraverman@gmail.com.
Added on 04/16/2010
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