If you’re like most people, you deal with your own fair share of stress most days. And that doesn’t really seem fair at all! Especially when you consider that chronic stress can negatively impact our health, sending blood pressure soaring and causing our hearts to work harder.
Whether it’s a bully for a boss, a horrific commute, mounting bills, or problems in your marriage, stress is a part of life we really can’t get away from. But there are things we can do to reduce the effects of chronic stress on our minds and body.
Let Go
Sometimes stress comes from wanting to control everyone and every event in our lives. But this simply isn’t possible. Recognizing you don’t have control over everything and just letting go can often bring profound relief. Focus on what you CAN control, Your response, Your decisions, Your reactions to the external stimuli.
Breathe Deeply
Taking slow, deep breaths helps to reset your nervous system, moving you OUT from “fight or flight mode” and help you to transition you into “rest and digest mode.” Our bodies cannot heal and repair when we are in constant states of fight or flight, only when we are in rest and relax mode. Whenever you feel stressed, take a deep, slow breath in… hold it for a count of four… and exhale in four seconds…and repeat. This technique can help you to feel more calm and relaxed; you will help your body- heal itself.
Make Self-Care a Priority
When we’re stressed it’s easy to make poor lifestyle choices that can lead to poor health outcomes. Be sure to make self-care a priority by eating right, drinking plenty of pure water, and getting enough sleep and exercise each day.
Practice Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is one of the best ways to calm your mind and keep it peaceful throughout the day. There are plenty of Youtube videos that will help you begin your practice.
If you or someone you care about are struggling to manage feelings of stress and would like to work with a licensed clinician, feel free to give me a call.
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