Stress Busting Techniques for Everyday

First thing, don't really try the anti-stress kit, especially not on your computer screen. Having to buy a new monitor today will not go a long way in combating stress!

So many people are stressed on a regular basis! It can almost be said that we're going though a stress epidemic. More people are burning the candle at both ends, trying to balance work with family, recreation, chores and still trying to hold on to a social life. Stress makes us tired, susceptible to illness and premature aging. Here are five stress busting techniques to feel calmer, and gain all around feelings of wellness and vitality.

Everyday Stress Busters

Diet
What we eat, or don't eat for that matter, directly correlates to how we feel on a day to day basis. Processed foods that are high in salt, saturated fat and sugar will make the afternoon energy low all the more likely. A diet lacking in complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, will cause premature winkles, bags under the eyes, and in general, make a person look tired. Eating well is a duty you owe to your body. Your brain needs quality nutrition to make it through the day, and the energy that comes from these foods to keep up with the physical demands of the busy day-to-day lifestyle.

Exercise
Being physically active beats stress on so many levels. "Burning off steam," is a very true saying. Exercise releases pent up stress and worry. After a workout it's easier to relax, and then sleep better at night. Exercise is also preventative, and will safeguard your body against muscle aches, injury and bone/muscle deterioration. Physical fitness is also a great "me time" where a time is designated to do something beneficial for yourself. This gives a great opportunity to clear your mind and not think about the next phone call you have to make, or what to prepare for dinner.

Sleep
It's amazing that in this rush-rush-go era, people sacrifice their sleep to of course, get more to-do items completed. Sleep is an important part of daily functioning. It repairs and recharges the body. When we are stressed our bodies release a hormone called cortisol that makes it very hard to lose weight. When we sleep, cortisol is no longer released, and we burn fat (slowly, but it happens!) during deep sleep cycles. Make the time to go to bed! Tell yourself very early on when your bedtime will be, regardless of what has been accomplished, and stick to it. An hour before try to do something relaxing like reading, or even watching TV to stop moving around all over the house, and to settle down.

Delegate
Look, we can't do everything on our own. The world does not stop if we can't do it all or need a break. Prioritizing what's really important, and what will have to wait until another time will go a long way in combating stress. There's a saying, "If you want it done right, do it yourself," and many people live by this mantra. I'm definitely guilty of trying to do it all. We need to learn to give up some control and ask for help. Even if something isn't being completed to your exact specifications, that's okay! If a chore has to wait a couple of days, let it be. Of course, if you get a surprise visit from the Queen on *just* the day you decided the vacuuming can wait, you can blame me!

Breaks
Going through an entire day without taking ten minutes here and there for yourself will leave a person feeling incredibly frazzled and on edge. Everyday I see people crammed into the subway trying to eat their lunch standing up, or walking down the street, and I think that even in that scenario, finding ten minutes to find a spot to enjoy a meal would make the rest of their day feel much less compressed. If you're working non stop, there will be a point of burnout, where you become a less productive and efficient worker. Taking ten minutes every hour to eat, stretch, or even chat with a co-worker will make the next hour feel more relaxed and productive.

I chose my silly picture today because laughing is also a very good stress buster. If you don't have a funny friend to grab dinner with, treat yourself to a funny movie night out, or an evening at a comedy club!

Stay Cool!

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