Stress Management

When we think of stress, what comes to mind usually is a hard day at work, not having enough money, or mothers-in-law. But it is important to keep in mind that stress is not just related to how you are dealing with a particular event happening on the outside of your body. Stress can come from inside you as well. Think about what goes into your body, from the air we breathe to the water we drink and the food we eat. Think about the effects that chemicals, electronic devices, heavy metals and radiation have on the body. When you are healthy, your body does an amazing job of fighting these stressors. So reducing stress is very important to staying healthy, losing weight, and looking younger. Here are some other things you can do!

• Take a stand against overscheduling. If you're feeling stretched, consider cutting out an activity or two and opting for just the ones that are most important to you.

• Be realistic. Don't try to be perfect - no one is. And expecting others to be perfect can add to your stress level, too, not to mention put a lot of pressure on them! If you need help with something, like schoolwork, ask for it.

• Get a good night's sleep. Getting enough sleep helps keep your body and mind in top shape, making you better equipped to deal with any negative stressors. If you stay up late and still need to get up early for work, you may not get all the hours of sleep you need.

• Learn to relax. The body's natural antidote to stress is called the relaxation response. It's your body's opposite of stress, and it creates a sense of well-being and calm. The chemical benefits of the relaxation response can be activated simply by relaxing. You can help trigger the relaxation response by learning simple breathing exercises and then using them when you're caught up in stressful situations. And make sure you stay relaxed by building time into your schedule for activities that are calming and pleasurable: reading a good book or making time for a hobby, spending time with your pet, or just taking a relaxing bath.

• Treat your body well. Experts agree that getting regular exercise helps people manage stress. (Excessive or compulsive exercise can contribute to stress, though, so as in all things, use moderation.) And eat well to help your body get the right fuel to function at its best. It's easy when you're stressed out to eat on the run or eat junk food or fast food. But under stressful conditions, the body needs its vitamins and minerals more than ever. Some people may turn to substance abuse as a way to ease tension. Although alcohol or drugs may seem to lift the stress temporarily, relying on them to cope with stress actually promotes more stress because it wears down the body's ability to bounce back.

• Watch what you're thinking. Your outlook, attitude, and thoughts influence the way you see things. Is your cup half full or half empty? A healthy dose of optimism can help you make the best of stressful circumstances. Even if you're out of practice, or tend to be a bit of a pessimist, everyone can learn to think more optimistically and reap the benefits.

• Solve the little problems. Learning to solve everyday problems can give you a sense of control, whereas avoiding them can leave you feeling like you have little control, and that just adds to stress. Develop skills to calmly look at a problem, figure out options, and take some action toward a solution. Feeling capable of solving little problems builds the inner confidence to move on to life's bigger ones - and confidence can serve you well in times of stress.

• Practice thinking of challenges as opportunities and stressors as temporary problems, not disasters. Practice solving problems and asking others for help and guidance rather than complaining and letting stress build. Make goals and keep track of your progress. Make time for relaxation. Be optimistic. Believe in yourself. Be sure to breathe. And let a little stress motivate you into positive action to reach your goals.
  
• Finally, be more aware of what you eat, drink, put on your skin, or spray around your home. A general rule we strive to live by is to only use products that you would put in your stomach. That might be difficult at first, but with time, you will find there are natural products that accomplish most of what we are looking to do. Try natural soaps, look for non-chemical pesticide alternatives, put water filters on your faucets, and most important, pay attention to the products you buy and use on a regular basis.
  

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