Managing Your Health To
Naturally Manage Stress
There are several ways to command or manage physical and
psychological well being. A basic exercise program will help to
increase and improve the ability to manage stress. While it may
be difficult to begin exercising regularly, exercise is one of
the most effective methods of stress relief. By stretching and
flexing the muscles in the neck, back, shoulders, arms and
abdomen the chance that these muscles will tighten and remain
tight causing discomfort are
lessened. Exercises that improve cardiovascular
function benefit the heart and lungs and affect the blood.
This causes chemical changes in the body and the release of and
balance of hormones that improve overall mood. Starting and
sticking with a regular exercise plan also encourages a healthy
concept of self, giving one a better outlook on things and a
line of defense against stressors.
There are also relaxation techniques, or exercises that are
extremely helpful in managing and reducing stress. One such
technique is trying to touch the shoulder to the ears. Hold for
a few seconds and then let the shoulders drop. Rotate one
shoulder toward the rear and then the other, do each shoulder
up to ten times and then do both shoulders together.
Another exercise that is good for relaxing and good for the
body is to lie down with knees bent, press the back down so
that all parts of the back touch the surface, while doing so
pull in hard on the stomach muscles.
Then just relax them. This helps to let go of tension as well
as firm abdominal muscles and strengthens the back. Many people
find specific exercise programs such as Pilates, tai chi and
yoga to be very relaxing.
Today's Stress Cure FactBipolar StressThere are some common early warning signs, which if one recognizes early enough is able to combat the negative effects of stress and help prevent further harm. Some of the most common early warning signs of excess stress are chronic fatigue, excessive irritability or moodiness, amplified or disproportionate anxiety, poor emotional control, noticeable changes in appetite, sleep patterns or sex drive, insomnia, critical feelings of dependency or helplessness and withdrawal from normal activity or responsibility. One may even verbally express signs of stress by making comments or talking about not being able to relax, feeling tense, and inability to focus or stay on task They may verbalize that they don't feel good, right or are miserable and don't know why. If you pay close attention you may notice that you feel extremely fatigued, the TV may sound like it is blaring, a door being shut sounds like it was slammed. One may argue or yell at those around them for seemingly no or petty reasons. These are indicators that stress has reached a critical level and needs to be dealt with. While it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress it is of equal importance to be prepared for situations or events that are potentially stressful. coping with stress |
Getting adequate, not too much, or too little sleep can do
wonders for the body and mind. Often just going to bed a half
hour earlier at night or taking a short nap during the day can
reenergize the body and recharge the mind enough to make clear,
thoughtful decisions and to relieve anxiety and worry. If a nap
is not possible make sure you take time to relax or take a
break. Even a fifteen-minute break from work, school, or
regular daily activities is advisable for quiet, privacy and
introspection.
Taking a brisk walk or even just going outside or to another
room, the change in scenery can eliminate existing stress or to
counter it before it gets to be too much. It is also necessary
to eat properly. Eat an adequate and nutritious breakfast
each day. Hunger cannot only leave you less able to cope with
stress but can also be considered a stressor in itself.
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Create a space in your home
just for relaxing in. It should be a room where
you can retreat from the hustle and bustle of
your life.
Be sure your relaxation area has everything
that you love and enjoy best. Fill it with good
books, games, music, basically anything that
will help produce a calming effect.
Keep this as your special area, and you will
have a great place to go, when you just need to
get away from it all.
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It is also important to make sure to eat a well balanced
diet for optimal health. Avoiding or reducing the consumption
of caffeine containing substances is a simple and effective way
to reduce tension and stress. Caffeine stimulates the
sympathetic nervous system in a similar fashion as stress as do
other substances like alcohol and tobacco that people often use
as a means of reducing stress.
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