Simple Steps to Manage Your Stress

TOO MUCH STRESS IN YOUR LIFE?

Jobs are stressful, families are stressful, school is stressful, life is stressful. So, how do you cope with all of this stress?

Managing your stress and the anxiety related to stress is key in preventing more serious health problems from happening later on down the road. The reality is, you determine how you choose to respond to your stress when it hits. 

Stress management includes three healthy everyday habits:

1. SLEEP WELL

2. EAT WELL

3. EXERCISE WELL

SLEEP WELL. Prepare yourself for better sleep by doing things that relax your mind, like reading a book! According to the National Sleep Foundation (2015), exposure to light, such as watching TV, stimulates a nerve pathway from the eye to parts of the brain which may prevent you from getting a good night's sleep and increase the risk of depression. 

EAT WELL. Eating well is just as important! Try choosing clean, whole foods with little sugar. For helpful tips check out this blog: sofreshNsogreen.com. She is a Holistic Health and Wellness coach and blogger who has made some amazing dishes for me!

EXERCISE WELL. Exercising daily, even if it's just a short walk will promote physical health. According to the CDC (2015), regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. I know there never seems to be enough hours in the day, but I have learned that it is better to take a short 10-minute walk around the neighborhood then not at all. 

HELPFUL TIPS

YOU MATTER. Make time for yourself, rest and relax. Do the things that bring you joy or fill you up so that you are not running on empty. Even if it means scheduling time for YOU in your calendar, so that you don't get overwhelmed by your "to do" list. 

I have learned the importance of SAYING NO. Taking on too much will only worsen the stress or cause you to take it out on others. 

TALK IT OUT. Find a friend, a counselor, or someone you can trust to talk about the stress in your life and what is causing it. 

For more information visit: novolifecounseling.com