ALERT. Chronic stress will kill you. Here are proven strategies to skirt it.
This photo reminds me to GET OUTSIDE! :)
UGH! I woke up the other day with the biggest headache, my entire body throbbed, and I couldn’t even see straight. It dawned on me that this crappy feeling has been here for a few days. I sit on the edge of my bed trying to get the fuzz to scatter and realize something. It is stress. Stress rears its ugly head the odd time and I can hardly stand it. It physically hurts me. It makes me feel dopey, dreary, and nearly dead. I lose joy in the most remarkable things in life. Do you ever feel like this? If you do, I have outlined some super easy tips and tricks to help you side step the stress.
1. Get exercise. I know, you hear this all the time but trust me, we all need to exercise. Shoot for 20 minutes a day. Even a brisk walk, a gentle Yoga class or video, dance around the house, or take a group fitness class. It does not matter WHAT you do, all that matters is that you DO it. Get out there, get your heart pumping.
2. Spend time outdoors. Nature is what the Universe has given to us so that we can connect and enjoy. Notice the sky, the trees, the buildings, the air, the sun, the clouds, the animals. Whatever is around you- take notice. I am a big fan of doing this while I exercise. Walking outside and enjoying the beauty of nature?? YES PLEASE!!!
3. Nurture your body. Your precious body needs water, food, and rest. Nurture it. Here is a question to ask yourself: Would you give a child nothing to eat or plain crap food? Would you keep your child awake all night? Would you only give your child limited amounts of water? Um…no. So why would you do that to you? Make healthy choices for food- leafy greens, beautiful lean protein, glorious fruits. Make healthy choices for beverages, fresh water and at for pete’s sake…get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Be kind to you. I promise you, your body will respond.
4. Positive affirmations. oh I know, you think these are straight up cheese. Well, I know for real they are not. They work! Each moment of every day is new and you can make it anything you want to make it. So, try this. Spend the first 20 minutes of your day setting up POSITIVE vibes. Grab some Happy Heart Mantra Cards, Journal how you would like your day to shape up like, lay in bed and just repeat what you would like over and over again.
If you still aren't convinced, here is a little more info:
Chronic Stress, As defined by Wikipedia:
“Chronic stress is the response to emotional pressure suffered for a prolonged period over which an individual perceives he or she has no control. It involves an endocrine system response in which occurs a release of corticosteroids.”
Symptoms: Headaches, loss of sleep, lack of appetite, anxiety, depression, the list goes on and on.
So, Sweetie. I need you to hear this. Chronic stress is a killer. You can do something about it. You deserve to live a life that is filled with joy, beauty, and love.
Love and less stress,
Diana