A Stress-Free You

admin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:21:00 GMT

As you think about summer vacations winding to an end, and sending the kids back to school and their various activities, you are no doubt feeling your stress levels increase. It may seem daunting to fit everything into your shorter and shorter days, but adding a few things to your routine may help ease your anxieties.

Exercise
Who knew that exercise was a stress reducer? We did! Even when you feel most stressed, working exercise into your day-to-day routine can provide an opportunity to focus on one task. Exercising pumps up your endorphins, lifts your mood, and can even lead to better sleep. To avoid dreading exercise, choose workouts you enjoy. You want this to be an exciting item on your to-do list.

Diet
Diet? A stress reducer? Think about it. When we're stressed, we instinctively reach for "comfort foods", only to be overcome with guilt, which then leads to added stress. Fit time to pack a healthy lunch into your routine. If you have children, involve them. Create an assembly line and you'll be done in no time. Packing a healthy lunch may lead to other benefits too, such as more energy, losing a few pounds or saving a few dollars!

Time for Yourself
Odds are you put yourself last on your to-do list. Continue that trend, and everyone around you is going to lose out too. Carve out an hour or two daily for yourself. Take a bath, do the crossword, write in your journal, meditate, or even get a massage. Make a deal with yourself to focus on activities that support and nurture you and watch your stress melt away.

Laugh
Ever heard the old adage "Laughter is the best medicine"? Do you live by it? In our increasingly uptight society, you may feel silly laughing, but given all of laughter's benefits, you should feel silly not laughing. Laughter boosts circulation, increases your oxygen intake, and is a great core workout! And, it can help with the negative effects of chronic stress. So lighten up, rent your favorite comedy and have a good laugh. You'll be happy you did.

Lifestyle : time for yourself, Exercise

A Stress-Free You