How to deal with STRESS?

What is STRESS?

If you are alive you've got stress. To be honest most of us “stress about” money, work, relationships and health to some extent on a daily basis. We accept that life is stressful and it is better to get used to it because there is not much to do about it.

But have you ever asked what exactly is stress and what can you really do about it?

It is not easy to define what exactly stress and I certainly don't want to bore you with long explanations so for simplicity's sake let's just say:

“Stress is the rate of wear and tear on the body”

“Stress is a response given to a real or percieved threat”

The stress response

When you are under stress (physical, mental or emotional threat) you automatically go into a “fight-or-flight” response.

This is a survival mechanism, enabling you to react quickly to life-threatening situations. This is very useful on the short term because it helps you to cope with difficult situations.

However chronic stress can cause a variety of symptoms and greatly affect your overall health and well-being. In other words it takes a toll on your body and on your life.

Did you know?

• 75% of Americans are experiencing moderate to high levels of stress on a daily basis

• 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.

• 75% to 90% of all doctor's office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints

The effects of long term (chronic) stress

• Higher risk of having a stroke or heart attack

• Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

• Stress might cause nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea and constipation

• If you’re constantly under stress, your muscles don’t get the chance to relax. Tight muscles cause headaches, back and shoulder pain, and body aches

• For women, chronic stress can cause irregular or no menstruation, in some cases heavier and more painful periods. The physical symptoms of menopause may also be magnified under long term stress

• For men stress can cause erectile dysfunction and impotence

• Long term stress compromises your immune system and increase inflammatory response to foreign invaders

Did you know?

• According to an opinion poll, the major cause for stress in nearly all countries surveyed is MONEY

• Sadly stress is interconnected with the topmost causes of death globally: accidents, cancer, heart disease, suicide, lung disorders, and cirrhosis of the liver.

11 Simple ways to instant stress relief

In my humble opinion the best way to deal with stress long term is to eliminate the source of stress from your life and prevent further stress. For example if your job is super stressful you might think of changing your job to a less stressful one.

For now here are some great tips to reduce the harmful effects of stress in the short run!

1. Laughter is the best medicine

Laughter reduces stress hormones immediately, strengthens the immune system and feels good.

2. Keep Calm and Eat some chocolate

Cacao is high in antioxidants, reduces stress hormones and tastes great yum. Of course I am talking about real chocolates read more about this here…

http://www.exclusivepersonalretreats.com/#!How-to-make-your-healthy-Chocolates-in-15-minutes/c1iyj/1

3. Meditate

Just a few minutes of daily meditation practice can greatly reduce stress and anxiety in your Life.

4. Listen to relaxing music

Listening to mantras, chants or any meditative music is very useful to relax and clear your mind. Check out some free samples on youtube now!

5. Breathe deeply

Taking some deep breaths will oxygenate your body and help you to calm when you feel anxious or worried. Practicing Pranayama or ChiQong is proven to restore inner peace and balance.

6. Exercise

A simple half an hour walk in nature will increase your immunity, brighten your mood and help you to relax. Build in a short exercise rutine into your days for the best results.

7. Ask for support – reach out

If you feel stuck, unable to move forward or take positive actions for sure it is time to reach out and ask for some professional help. Seeing a therapist or a healer will help you to regain your power and move forward.

8. Eat right

Simple, natural, organic mostly plant based diet will reduce the toxicity in your body, give you more energy and make you feel more vibrant and alive.

9. Have a cup of herbal tea

Some herbal teas such as chamomille are a great aid to relieve stress and bring about more calm.

10. Use some essential oils

Levander is a great soothing herb to calm your body and mind. Rose oil is also great to relieve stress and depression.

11. Take up a hobby

Do something that you really love, do it often and do it passionately. Play, have some fun.

Did you know?

• When you kiss your body releases powerful chemicals that reduce stress hormones.

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When you follow these steps, you create positive experiences to boost your mood and make you feel happier.

Eventually you will be able to make different choices that lead to having less stress in your life.

Have a happy and stressful life!

Namaste