In recent years we have become much more aware of the effects of stress on our health and well-being.
There have been numerous articles in major publications about stress and health.
We are compiling more and more research on the adverse conditions brought on by persistant high levels of stress.
Did you know that persistant, high level stress causes excelerated cell aging?
It may be surprising to realize that approximately 90% of medical visits in the U.S. are for stress related disorders.
We all have stress in our lives. Our bodies naturally react to that stress.
Here are a few practical tips to help manage stress:
- Become more aware of how you breathe. Check in frequently and take a few deep belly breaths.
- Practice mindfulness. Become fully present. Focus on the one thing at a time.
- Move and stretch frequently. Relax muscles and breathe deeply.
- Listen to that internal voice, the wisdom that is inside each of us. You know what is best for you. Trust yourself.
- Avoid judgement, criticism, and negative self talk.
- Be gentle and kind with yourself.
- Care for yourself: Eat and exercise from that caring perspective.
- Take the time to be silent.
Below are tips to help move through life by taking the path of least resistance. We can sometimes change our external environment to make life easier and thus less stressful:
- Take time to unplug.
- Actively make choices. It is important to feel empowered, not vicitimzed. Not making a decision is a choice.
- Prioritize what you are doing in a given day. Break down tasks into manageable parts.
- Ask for help and support. Delegate.
- Take time for yourself.
Good luck.
Take care,
Kate
