Uncontrolled chronic stress is a way of life for many these days. From itchiness to bitchiness, anxiety, weight gain, headaches and diminished immunity, the symptom picture is common. In the US where health is on a steady decline it is believed that 80-90% of all disease is stress related. As defined by Hans Selye in 1974, stress is the body’s non-specific response to any demand made upon it. He is referring to the body’s internal environment and its natural movement toward health. These non-specific responses are required in order to adapt to the given conditions within the body.
Stress is always occurring in the body even when a person is completely relaxed. The digestion of food, the constant firing of muscles, the beating of our heart. If our bodies were to be completely free of stress then function would cease. There is also external stress that allows for positive function, the good stress, as we like to call it. The stress that invites us to study hard for an exam or prompts us to resolve a conflict or stay motivated to reach a goal.
It’s the distress or bad stress that will wreak havoc on your system if left to fester and compound. Continual exposure to outside stress will fatigue your body’s response over time and impair its effectiveness to return to balance. Stress reduction can have a major impact on your overall health and quality of life.
Stress is a part of life and throughout a lifetime there will be many levels experienced but how it is managed by you will always be a choice. Don’t allow stress to make you ill and miss out on the joyful things in life.
Turn Off Your Television
This is one of the most beneficial changes you can make in your life today, right now for free.
Commune With Nature
Get outside. Connect with this amazing earth that we get to live on. Watch the sunrise, the sunset, sit quietly in a park, touch a tree, smell a flower.
Eat A Nutrient Dense Diet
Arming your physical body with vital nutrients from whole food sources will increase its ability to remain in flow.
Get A Massage
Massage therapy has been shown to stimulate parasympathetic activity, reduce stress, increase immunity, relaxation and decrease tension.
Practice Yoga
These days there is a practice for every personality out there. From Power Vinyasa to Yin Yoga there are plenty of opportunities to release your physical and emotional body. There are also many free classes online and Podcasts so that you can practice at home.
Self care
Try a hot bath before bedtime to soothe you muscles and mind. Herbal teas such as chamomile, valerian or passionflower can promote also relaxation and sleep.
Meditation
Sit in a quiet, comfortable space and listen to your breath. Even 5 minutes a day will make a tremendous difference in your stress levels. For the busy mind try a mantra – think ‘SO’ on your inhale and ‘HUM’ on your exhale, this simply means ‘I am that, pure awareness’. There are also many free guided meditations available online.
Unclutter Your Life
Get rid of material items and influences in your life that are not for your higher good.
Positive Self Talk
Just a few kinds words on a regular basis can be very helpful in reducing anxiety and fear throughout the day.
Breathe
Conscious breathing increases awareness, slows down the system and brings the mind into the present moment.
Namaste.
