How to Address Your Stress
By Sara Butler
Stress is a part of life you simply can’t escape. It’s always going to be there, lurking, which means that it’s important to find a way to deal with the stress life throws your way. It’s OK to get overwhelmed but too much stress that isn’t dealt with can have a negative impact on your health. Here are a few easy ways to help address the stress in your life that work even if you don’t have a lot of time.
Breathe
When you feel stress starting to load onto you, take a few minutes to center yourself with some deep breaths. Breathe in as you slowly count to five, hold the breath for five counts, and then exhale to five. Repeat this exercise 10 times or until you feel more focused, grounded, and calm.
Sweat It Out
Exercise is one of the best stress relievers on the planet. When you think about stress as a cycle between your body and mind, exercise is a great way to break the cycle, relieve tension, and release some chemicals in your brain that helps contribute to feelings of peace and well-being. So, go for a walk, ride your bike, or hit the treadmill. It’s good for your body and your brain!
Unplug
The modern age has given you many ways to stay connected, but it’s that constant connection that can be an endless source of stress for many people. You need to give your brain a rest from the all that digital noise every once in a while, so take time each day to put down your electronic devices and do something else. You can read a book, go for a walk, cook, or play with your children and pets. Those are far more rewarding activities than scrolling through social media anyway!
Stay Positive
Did you know that laughter really is the best medicine? When you’re feeling stressed, you may want to do something that you know will give you a chuckle. Laughter has been scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones in your body and help to reduce the chronic inflammation in your body. So, when you feel like the stress is really getting to you, throw on your favorite cat video or stand-up comedy routine.
Learn to deal with stress and life will be happier and more enjoyable -- for you and everyone else in your life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cypress, Tex.