Manage Your Stress & Improve Your Life

Stress is something we all have to learn to manage and we often look at it as if it is something negative. However, there are times that small amounts of stress can actually provide your body and mind with benefits.  Studies have found that low doses of stress can boost the immune system. Stress can also serve as a guidance system to tell you when your life is getting out of balance. Some people also work better under the stress of a deadline as it increases their productivity levels.

Stress always shows up in our lives as a mental or physical reaction and too much stress can cause headaches, upset stomach and affect your sleep poorly. Too much stress can also be seen through binge eating, a short temper and lack of mental clarity.

However, even though a little stress can be good for you, it is much more likely that you have too much stress in your life than not enough. So how do you manage it?

First of all, you need to get in a better frame of mind. Take time out and treat yourself to something special such as a spa treatment, a nap or socializing with friends. Try to find joy and laughter wherever you can. We often find ourselves being over stimulated in today’s society. Try spending some time being completely quiet. You can do this by getting into nature, meditating or just simply turning technology OFF.

Take care of yourself by eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep and exercise.  Our lifestyles often are fast paced and constantly on the go. Food is easily at our fingertips in fast food restaurants and boxes. We often forget to look at whether we are getting enough and sometimes any nutritional benefit from what we are eating. Take time to make sure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs to operate well.  Not getting enough sleep can also affect your stress levels. Try going to bed just 30 minutes earlier and see how your body reacts. You may be pleasantly surprised at how this simple step affects your daily routine. Exercise has so many benefits for your health but it also is a great way to reduce stress. Try going for a walk, joining a Zumba class or going to a yoga or pilates class. You will find that not only will you be less stressed out and more fit, you will also sleep better.

Sometimes your life may reach such a boiling point that you do need to relieve some energy. If you feel you need to scream, go ahead but try to do it where you won’t affect anyone else. A great place to scream can be in the car. Roll up your windows, turn your music up real loud and let it rip.

If you are still having difficulty relieving the stress in your life ask yourself what can you do right now that will make you happy? Start a gratitude journal and begin to look at all of things that are going right in your world. Try doing some deep breathing. We often breathe short, shallow breaths. Just by focusing on breathing deeply can relieve a lot of stress in your body. Breathe in through your nose for a count of five. Go ahead, let’s do it together right now. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. and out through your mouth for a count of eight 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8. It is really that simple. Doing this just a few times will make you feel immediately calmer and more relaxed.

Finally, focus on the solution and your life will literally turn around 180 degrees. When you focus on the problem you keep yourself in that stressful energy and it never feels good. By focusing on the solution, you begin to feel better because you allow yourself to see the possibilities. You allow hope in to your life. This allows you to move forward much quicker, eliminating the stressful situation.

Take care of yourself and relieve the stress in your life, doing so can improve your life dramatically. You will sleep better and your relationships will improve. Relieving stress can make you calmer, happier and more joyful. You will find that you have more patience and are less irritable. Plus you may also find many other health benefits.

Traci Brosman has studied the mind and the role it plays in success, happiness and health for over twenty years. As co-founder of World Wellness Education she educates and inspires people to live healthier lives via her speaking appearances, TV shows, wellness tip videos, articles and conference calls.

Traci believes integrative medicine will become the medicine of first choice and not the medicine of last resort. This has led her to start Holistic Marketing Mentors and help wellness professionals create ease and flow in their business while increasing profits. Her clients learn to leverage their businesses so that they can help more people and not work twelve and fifteen hour days. Her powerful mastermind sessions are known to help participants break past barriers and stop the cycle of self-sabotage.

Brosman’s latest book, Mastering Your Wellness Business, gives you core business principles to running a successful wellness business and staying sane while doing it.

This information is not meant to be medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken solely on the contents of this information. Instead, you should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being.