Finding Balance in a Stressful World
Our 21st century lifestyle in a word: Stressful. While stress can be positive (it motivates us to get things done), it’s usually overwhelming which can pose a serious effect on one's health.
Almost everyone knows how it feels to be stressed: Stomachaches, headaches, and sweaty palms are all symptoms of this condition. These are normal body reactions to threats, changes in routines, or challenges. However, chronic or prolonged stress caused by work, relationship problems, or financial concerns may hamper emotional balance and increase the risk of chronic illness.
Chronic stress has been connected to serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety disorders, and an increased risk of stroke. People who experience chronic stress also experience lower immunity, suppressed digestive systems, sleep problems, and impaired memory and concentration. What’s more, ongoing stress seems to worsen conditions such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and psoriasis.
7 Ways to lessen the impact of stress and live a more balanced life
• Learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and Tai Chi. Tai Chi is known as a moving meditation due to its emphasis on breathing and slow, relaxing movements. Research has shown that it reduces stress and stress-related issues. It works on both the physical and mental levels to bring balance, and is particularly helpful for people experiencing tension and anxiety.
• Exercise 30 minutes every day. Tai Chi fits the bill, as does walking for a half hour daily, which has been shown to boost mood and reduce stress. The key is consistency. Get into a groove, and stick with it.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Not only does stress increase cravings for unhealthy foods, but the stress hormone cortisol may increase the amount and/or enlarge fat cells in the body. The result: fat accumulation in the belly, which has been linked to heart disease.
• Set priorities. Know what needs to get done, and what can wait. Chances are, you won’t complete every item on a to-do list, but when you review what you did do—the priorities—you will have a sense of accomplishment.
• Learn to recognize your symptoms of stress. Everybody responds differently. For instance, you may feel down, always on edge, fatigued, overwhelmed, or withdrawn.
• Connect with friends. Spend time with friends and family.
• Tap into your spirituality. Your belief system helps define a sense of purpose (which helps you set priorities) and gives you a sense that you’re not alone. Knowing that you are part of something much bigger allows you to relinquish control, and yes, relax.
If you’re still having problems due to stress, consider professional help. A mental health counselor, life coach, even your primary care physician can suggest ways to improve balance in a busy world. Or, if you wish to experience a dynamic, interactive and multi-level approach to achieving balance, click here http://www.americaslifedevelopmentcoa... for information about my upcoming workshop.
Almost everyone knows how it feels to be stressed: Stomachaches, headaches, and sweaty palms are all symptoms of this condition. These are normal body reactions to threats, changes in routines, or challenges. However, chronic or prolonged stress caused by work, relationship problems, or financial concerns may hamper emotional balance and increase the risk of chronic illness.
Chronic stress has been connected to serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety disorders, and an increased risk of stroke. People who experience chronic stress also experience lower immunity, suppressed digestive systems, sleep problems, and impaired memory and concentration. What’s more, ongoing stress seems to worsen conditions such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and psoriasis.
7 Ways to lessen the impact of stress and live a more balanced life
• Learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and Tai Chi. Tai Chi is known as a moving meditation due to its emphasis on breathing and slow, relaxing movements. Research has shown that it reduces stress and stress-related issues. It works on both the physical and mental levels to bring balance, and is particularly helpful for people experiencing tension and anxiety.
• Exercise 30 minutes every day. Tai Chi fits the bill, as does walking for a half hour daily, which has been shown to boost mood and reduce stress. The key is consistency. Get into a groove, and stick with it.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Not only does stress increase cravings for unhealthy foods, but the stress hormone cortisol may increase the amount and/or enlarge fat cells in the body. The result: fat accumulation in the belly, which has been linked to heart disease.
• Set priorities. Know what needs to get done, and what can wait. Chances are, you won’t complete every item on a to-do list, but when you review what you did do—the priorities—you will have a sense of accomplishment.
• Learn to recognize your symptoms of stress. Everybody responds differently. For instance, you may feel down, always on edge, fatigued, overwhelmed, or withdrawn.
• Connect with friends. Spend time with friends and family.
• Tap into your spirituality. Your belief system helps define a sense of purpose (which helps you set priorities) and gives you a sense that you’re not alone. Knowing that you are part of something much bigger allows you to relinquish control, and yes, relax.
If you’re still having problems due to stress, consider professional help. A mental health counselor, life coach, even your primary care physician can suggest ways to improve balance in a busy world. Or, if you wish to experience a dynamic, interactive and multi-level approach to achieving balance, click here http://www.americaslifedevelopmentcoa... for information about my upcoming workshop.
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