Stressed Out Life

Stress affects many people, for many different reasons. 

Too much stress can make you sick.  Have you been there?  I have. We will all face stress, we have to learn how to deal with that stress to keep our bodies healthy, our emotions and choices healthy, our brains healthy, and our spiritual selves healthy.  This diagram is from Men's Health on a few affects of stress on our mind, body, emotions, and behaviors:

There are many ways to manage stress.  One, is separating true reality from fears we blow up in our minds.  Sometimes fears take over and make a false reality in our brains, making things seem much worse than they actually are.  It is essential to get a grasp on what is truth and what is exaggerated fears in our minds. 

One great place to start in managing stress is by eating well. Eat nutritious, balanced foods, and don't skip meals.  Veggies, low sugar to no sugar, and a lot of water helps our bodies to be nutritiously sound.  Regular exercise is also important to help get rid of the stress in life.  

Getting enough sleep is another key. The right amount varies with the individual, but most adults need eight hours for proper restoration of our body and mind.  

Something very important, that many forget about when stressed, is to take time for yourself.  Creative outlets are important, such as reading, drawing, photography, music, artwork or building something, whatever it is that gets your creative mind moving. God gave all of us creative gifts.  I know when I am out with my camera in nature, my stress levels immediately go down.   Also, take time to get a massage, soak in the tub, go for a walk, get away by yourself for a little bit and quiet your mind of your to do list during this time for yourself.

It's important to remember that it is ok to say NO, as you are only one person, who cannot, and should not try, to do everything. It is important to know your limits and stick to them.  

Daily prayer has been shown to reduce stress.  In the book The Faith Factor by Dale Matthews, he says that people who read the Bible and pray every day are 40% less likely to suffer from hypertension than others.  

Learn to laugh. Research shows laughter brings down, and helps controls stress hormones.  "Laughter is the best medicine" is very true when it comes to reducing stress.  

Enjoy your life and let the stress go.  Laugh a lot, love those around you, live every moment of life.  For every moment wasted on worry and stress, we lose that moments potential to have joy and love fill our lives.  It is truly a choice, I know as I have suffered with a lot of stress in the past.  I have learned to take steps to overcome it, and capture and enjoy life.  If you would like to learn how to take steps to a healthier, less stress-filled life, please contact me.  Life keeps going.  Are you truly living it, or is stress and worry robbing you of the gift of each day?  It's your choice, what choice are you making?