Stress has become a chronic condition in our society. It is primarily psychological. You can have too many tasks (many of which are self-imposed), work deadlines, a lack of sleep, poor nutrition, or a lack thereof.
Our ancestors faced real dangers from war and wild animals, so they developed the “fight or flight” survival strategy. The body is constantly on alert for psychological threats and has used this mechanism to a great extent.
Nearly 80-90% of all illnesses can be attributed to stress, according to research. Stress can be defined as an individual experience. This means that stress is not a result of an actual event. It is our story about the events.
Instead of “the stress response”, which manifests as an increase in blood pressure and metabolic rate and an increase in blood flow to muscles, we must consciously nurture the “relaxation response” which allows us to slow down blood flow and muscle tension.
These are key points to managing stress:
- Begin your day with a positive outlook. For example, consider what you are grateful for. Include positive affirmations such as “All is well in mine world.” Louise Hay is a great resource for my clients.
- A healthy and nutritious breakfast is oatmeal with berries, green tea, and some fruit. Juicing is a great way to get started in the morning. This will keep your immune system strong. Remember to drink water.
- Regular breaks are a good idea. Lunch should be at least 30 minutes. It is a great way to improve your performance. Effective time management skills are essential for achieving your goals.
- Include exercise into your daily routine. Make it a priority. You don’t need to make it a priority if you don’t have the time. Instead, you can walk for 30 minutes or stretch at home.
- You can try a different type of meditation. There are many options. My professional practice consists of teaching people self-hypnosis, guided meditation and guided breathing. If you are struggling with negative emotions, it is worth taking a few minutes to relax and visiting your favorite place (beach or garden, mountains).
Although this might seem like something that is common, many of my clients aren’t doing what will make them happier or less anxious. Many women have deep-rooted beliefs that they are selfish if they place themselves first. They don’t believe they can afford to take time off from their responsibilities. And they don’t deserve happiness.
