10 Ways to Turn the Tables on Stress
Stress is a double-edged sword. The same adrenaline rush that helps you meet challenges can also leave you feeling burned out if your body goes on "red alert" for too often. Long-term, stress can lead to heart disease, stroke, and depression- perhaps even cancer. So make stress work fro you rather than against you.
1. Adjust your attitude. View your problems as opportunities to put all your skills and experience into play.
2. Plan ahead. Spending even a half hour each week to anticipate what's coming up over the next month can prevent unnecessary " surprises" that add to your stress load.
3. Leave earlier. Give yourself 5-10 minutes extra to arrive on time for work, meetings, church orother regular, important obligations.
4. Eat well. A low fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps strengthen your body's natural defense mechanisms and makes you more stress-resistant.
5. Don't hide it. If something is bothering you, talk about it with someone you trust. Keeping stress bottled up only makes it worse.
6. Learn to say no. No one can do everything. Set realistic limits on how much you can do in the time you have; then deliver on what you promise.
7. Walk it off. When anger and anxiety threaten to take over, go for a stroll. Moderate exercise such as walking not only burns calories, and helps your heart and lungs, but it can improve your mood.
8. Don't go it alone. Studies show that people with social networks handle crises better. Treat your friends well-- call them, see them, listen. They'll help you handle stress by doing the same for you.
9. Try something new. Learning a new skill or revisiting a favorite hobby can be an enjoyable way to recharge your inborn stress- busting skills.
10. Get help when needed. If nothing else seems to work, seek professional counseling... try yoga... look into biofeedback. There are many ways to combat stress, and it's a battle you can win.
Information provided by Valley Healthy Plan