RECIPE FOR HEALTHY STRESS

Regular exercise can help to maintain a healthy mind, regulate blood pressure, control diabetes and cholesterol, and restore energy. If you’re having “one of those days,” even a quick burst of walking can help!

In order to hear what your body is saying and increase awareness of the mind/body connection, it is important to quiet the mind long enough to listen. Yoga can be like meditation in motion, combining exercise and relaxation.

Aim for a balance of healthy proteins, fats like walnuts and avocado, and carbs like fruits and vegetables. Avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages, keep sweets to a minimum, and avoid alcohol when feeling blue or as a sleep aid (the latter is actually counterproductive).

Affirmations can be a very subtle, yet a powerful way to create change. Repeating affirmations before you fall asleep and when you wake up is a good practice.

A regular pattern of sleeping and waking will help to create balance. Try soothing music, sounds of nature, chamomile tea, or warm milk to relax you at bedtime. Consult with your doctor or naturopath for natural sleep aid options.

It’s all good—massage, Reiki, Reflexology, body work, guided imagery, anything that will induce a deep state of relaxation has the potential to restore vitality and balance.

Practice deep breathing. An overabundance of stress causes our breathing to get very shallow—a series of long deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Hold for a count of ten and repeat three times. Doing this several times a day is great exercise for the lungs.

Take mini breaks throughout the day to jump, stretch, hula hoop (yes, hula hoop). Even the simple act of taking a shower can symbolically help to wash away the parts of the day that are no longer serving you well.

No matter what life brings our way, there is always something to be thankful for. Think of 5 things to be grateful for before getting out of bed in the morning.

Spend as much time as possible with positive people who will support your lifestyle changes.

Writing thoughts down on paper takes a load off your mind.

Once you get the hang of setting boundaries you will feel the difference.

Research shows that laughter can boost the immune system and increase one’s threshold for pain. Laughter is also a great way to give the abs a fun workout. Laughing and crying are both necessary forms of release that cleanse the spirit and release stress.