"Peace- it does not mean to be in a place
where there is no noise, trouble or hard work,
it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your
heart. -Unknown."
Less stress for 2003
As the year came to a close and I sat with friends contemplating
what this years new years resolutions might be. We found the common
denominator in all of our wishes and wants for the New Year was less
stress. If only one wish be granted that would be it.
As the world shows no signs of slowing down it becomes
apparent that the only way we can achieve this idea of less stress
is to create bodies and lifestyles that cope with stress better. Yes
there are many retreat, self-help options available and yes we hope
to someday have the time to implement them…someday. But in the
mean time we need to start getting the most out of life rather then
letting life get the most out of us. Here is how:
Three steps for taking the reigns of the stress express.
1. Laugh more-
WebMD reports that Lee Berk, MD, a University of California Irvine
medical professor, and his associates have for years investigated
how moods affect immune systems and illness. They've found laughter
has a role in fighting viruses, bacteria, cancer and heart disease.
We know that humor has been shown to lower pain thresholds, to reduce
stress and even boost the immune system so that we can heal better.
Scientific studies have shown that negative feelings can have just
the opposite affect. They increase the time needed to recover from
surgery, slow the healing of wounds, and even contribute to higher
death rates.
Research confirms the health benefits of laughter and conversely the
risk associated with humourlessness. In one study, 300 subjects filled
out two questionnaires. One assessed their anger and hostility; the
other evaluated their readiness to laugh. The subjects that had coronary
heart disease were significantly less likely to laugh during daily
activities, unexpected situations or social interactions (Int J Cardiol,
Aug. 2001).
A Stanford University study saw an increase in white
blood cell activity (immune system) while monitoring their blood while
viewing a comedian on video tape (Omni, Feb 1994).
2. Regular Exercise-
Experts agree that exercise is one of the best remedies for stress.
30-60 minutes a day, whether it be working in the garden, walking
the dog, running 5 miles or taking a Yoga lesson, is all you need
to get of the stress express and gain health and perspective. Your
own personal fitness level will dictate what kind of exercise and
for how long you do it. Be aware that that might change from day to
day, and that is O.K. When we exercise our bodies produce wonderful
endorphins which naturally relieve pain and induce feelings of well-being.
Regular exercise benefits the heart and reduces the chances of heart
disease, as well as helps to lower bad cholesterol. Exercise can also
reduce the risk of diabetes. Weight-bearing exercise has been proven
to strengthen bone density, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis
later in life (this is particularly important for women). Regular
exercise can also help improve sleep, increase energy levels and increase
metabolism.
Prior to starting an exercise regime it's a good idea to visit the
doctor first and get a full check up. The people that really should
always get clearance would be anyone with heart problems or a chronic
illness/condition, anyone who's had recent surgery, illness or injury
or anyone currently under a doctor's care.
3. Daily Nutrition-
The negative effects of stress are increasingly being recognized as
playing a key role in the development and degeneration of common chronic
illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. This stress
does not always start on the outside. And how one reacts and handles
stress can largely be influenced by ones nutritional status. The body
is a very complex synergistic machine that requires proper fuel to
function, it will adapt when necessary but not with out a price. The
organs of your body can experience stress as a result of poor nutrition
with high demands. B vitamins have long been known to play a significant
role in the healthy functioning of the nervous system. Low blood sugar
episodes trigger an emergency response in the body with inappropriate
hormone responses setting the individual up for more stress. The negative
feedback loop between poor nutrition and stress can get well established.
So when addressing stress relief it is important that nutrition play
a key role in that equation. The best way to address this is to incorporate
a high quality multivitamin and mineral into to your daily routine.
Combine this with regular nutritious snacks and a commitment to incorporate
whole foods into each meal and you are well on your way to reducing
stress both inside and out.
Less
Stress with ALL ONE- You're worth it!
