5 Simple Ways to Lower Your Stress
By Sandy Schroeder
We all face stress, but some stress can be positive. Think of getting a promotion, or planning your wedding. Very stressful events, but really great! Now think about retaining the good stress and simply sweeping all of the rest out of your life.
Try these changes to make it happen.
Spot and Delete Time Wasters
Most of us have guilty little habits that soak up too much time. Making weekends a repeat party zone can be fun. But it may become exhausting, leaving tasks undone, and creating repeat disasters come Monday. Cruising the internet during the day, and spending too much time texting friends, can impact your work. Try setting aside one or two short periods, and spend the rest of the time being productive. You may be amazed at how much more you get done.
Try Early Bedtimes and Early Rising
Achieving restful sleep can take a big bite out of stress. You may sleep better if you go to bed earlier and get up earlier. Gradually, you may feel more rested, and get a step ahead as you avoid the morning crunch. Now you have time to plan your day and eat a good breakfast. You may set a positive tone for the whole day.
Go Ahead and Make a List
When you get up earlier you will have time to make the list that covers all of the bases. There is nothing worse than flying out the door, trying to remember what you have forgotten. As you keep making lists, they will become more targeted, leaving you with more time and less stress.
Eat Healthy and Enjoy the Energy
Try a week that limits pizza, burgers, processed foods and products loaded with sugars. Fill the gap with fresh fruit and leafy greens, nuts, eggs, poultry, lean meats and low fat dairy, juices and heathy teas. You may drop a few pounds and still feel energetic at the end of the day. At the same time, drink lots of water, and limit the coffee, wine and beer. Start looking at healthy diets like the Mediterranean Diet and find your closest farmer’s market and fresh fish supplier. At the same time, check out sites like Epicurious.com for savory new recipes. As you eat better, your body will be much better prepared to handle daily stress.
Stop Controlling and Start Living
Worry is a favorite stress game. The more you focus on things that are out of your control the stronger they become. Focus on what you can control, and devote your energy to positive solutions.
As you try out these stress cutters, enjoy the results. Living better with less stress is hard to beat.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
