Take a break from stress
How to step away from stress
Stress can lead to numerous health problems, including
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach and more-severe gastrointestinal problems, such as GERD and colitis
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Frequent colds
- Heart problems
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Trouble concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
- Auto immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Some forms of cancer
Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress
The emotional benefits of meditation include:
- Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
- Building skills to manage your stress
- Increasing self-awareness
- Focusing on the present
- Reducing negative emotions
Have time for fun and relaxation
Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by nurturing yourself. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors when they inevitably come.
Other things to stop stress
Exercise! The right kind of exercise will help burn off some of that anxiety and will help you sleep better. If you workout too intensely, guess what? You actually cause your stress hormones to rise – not fall – and that makes our bodies store fat instead of releasing it! Exercise at a moderate intensity daily – not too hard or too easy, but middle to moderate is what works. If you can’t sing while you’re exercising, you’re working too hard! Slow down!