Stress, stress, stress. We all experience stress and with all the holidays coming up I thought now would be a good time to address how stress really affects you physically and mentally and give you some tips on how to bust that stress away.
Our bodies respond to stress both positive and negative, by trying to get back to normal. Depending on the stressor (whatever is causing you stress), hormones , like adrenalin, may surge. Your heartbeat and blood pressure will probably increase, your blood sugar rises and if you are lucky enough to be like me your entire body will be covered in hives. If stressful situations go on for too long without any relief, you might experience diseases and disorders, such as colds, ulcers, asthma, heart attack or stroke to name a few. You may feel tired, irritable, depressed or anxious and have trouble sleeping or eating.
Research has identified the stress response as a factor in many stress related illnesses. Now there is evidence that stress can weaken the immune. The hormones cortisone and adrenaline released in response to stress are such potent suppressors of the immune system that they are sometimes prescribed for disorders in which the immune system is overactive-such as allergies and autoimmune diseases.
The key is to take care of your body and your mind to avoid stress. When your mind is healthy, your body can resist illness better. When your body is healthy, your feelings are more positive.
Minimize Stress With These Tips
-Give your time to something or someone that you believe in. I do this with animal rescue and it really does work to alleviate the stress from other parts of my life. There is no better feeling than giving and helping others for the sake of being truly kind and caring.
-Avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine, fats and sugar. Don’t Smoke. What you eat and drink really affects your body and by indulging in an unhealthy diet you are really just adding to the stress. I will be the first to admit that when I feel stressed I want diet Pepsi and chocolate so I need to work on this (hard, very hard). Have an apple instead of a cookie (this really sounds not very appealing but if it works it is worth a shot).
-Exercise regularly. Whether you like to walk, do weights, or whatever it may be for you just keep moving . I always feel much better after a great workout at the gym.
-Take time for yourself to relax each day. Meditate, go sit by the water, read your favorite book. Whatever it is for you that relaxes you take even 5-10 minutes a day to do this for yourself.
-Learn to “let go” of things which are outside of your control. Learn to adapt to change. This one is hard for me a lot of the time because I want things to go my way and I keep trying so I need to work on letting it go.
Hopefully you follow at least a few of these and they help with your stress levels. Good luck!
A happy Cat-urdate
2 weeks ago