I treat patients from all walks of life. Some seem to have it all and not a care in the world while others seem to be consumed by stress. Can we all be so different?
Certain stressors we have no control over. Whether it is the angry driver that cut you off on on the highway or a family member that was recently diagnosed with cancer, we cannot completely remove ourselves from all the stress in our lives. Most of “stress relief” is not eliminating stress from our lives altogether but rather “managing stress” in a healthier way.
Here are some of the tips that I have implemented with myself and my patients to help better manage stress:
- Acknowledge that you have a stressor and identify the importance of it. “Is this really a big deal?” or “Do I need to re-prioritize things to work on this?”
- Take a deep breath and try to figure out “What is the worst thing that could happen?”. This gives perspective on the stressor.
- Get if off your chest. Vent to a loved one or close friend/co-worker. Just talking about events in your life can help you release anxiety. Some people benefit from an unbiased perspective and visit with a counselor or a therapist.
- Blow off steam. Exercise! Endorphins created while you workout can have a calming effect on your body making you feel better especially if you are preoccupied on a topic.
- Eat a clean diet. Food is the source of everything and if you are not fueling your body well you cannot function optimally. Avoid greasy, fatty foods, refined sugars and excessive alcohol use. Choose fresh fruits, veggies and lean meats as part of a well-balanced diet.. In addition to removing the toxins we put in our bodies, be sure to remove the toxins that we surround ourselves with. Life is too short to spend time with people that do not positively contribute to our happiness.
