Stress Management

But, stress can also be a positive influence. Often times, stress is what helps people excel and increases their productivity, whether it is getting "pumped up" for a big presentation, or preparing for a competitive sporting event.

It is important to find a balance with stress; too little and we may not be achieving our best, but too much and we risk health problems. For most of us, it's the reduction of stress that we need. So below are some suggestions to better manage daily stress.

Stress busters:

1. Exercise. Interestingly, the act of exercising seems to reduce the amount of cortisol in the body, which can build when a person is under chronic stress. Plus, exercise causes the release of endorphins and other "feel good" chemicals in the body. Often times, exercise can also be meditative, or simply "alone time," allowing the mind to work through the issues that contribute to stress. (But, don't allow yourself to become distracted if your choice of exercise requires focus, such as riding a bicycle!) Exercise during the day can also improve a person's quality of sleep.
   
2. Get good sleep. Get quality sleep, and get enough sleep. As you probably realize, stress negatively impacts sleep. A lack of sleep can lead to a whole host of problems, including depression, weight gain, increased blood pressure, and a lack of energy, and can make stress worse. While it's important to address the root cause of the sleep loss--the stress--some natural sleep aids may be able to help you get back on track. Try to break the cycle; get some good sleep, which will help you better cope with stress, which will lead to better sleep.
   
3. Eat right. This helps to keep your energy level stable, your body better able to manage stressful encounters, and your immune system at its strongest. Be sure to include antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
4. Try meditation, yoga and breathing techniques. Each of these options may help you deal with the day-to-day stressful situations that lead to chronic stress. You may be surprised how the simple act of breathing deeply and slowly when experiencing stress will help to relieve it.
5. Relax to music. Relaxing music can be a great stress reliever, particularly during the commute to and from work.
6. Get a massage. Either by a professional, loved one, or using a self massager, massage will help reduce the physical impacts of stress, and relieve tension in the muscles.
7. Laugh. Get together with friends and have fun. Keep a library of books, movies and TV shows that make you laugh.
8. Try some supplements. Consider using a stress-mitigating supplement like Vitamin B Complex to help the body naturally "de-stress". Try Reishi Mushroom Extract, Echinacea, or another immunity-supporting supplements to counter some of the immune-impairing effects of stress. Stress weakens the immune system, making people more susceptible to illness.
   
9. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine increases anxiety levels. Alcohol doesn't reduce stress; it actually masks the symptoms of stress and can even make it worse. Further, alcohol consumption can impair sleep quality, leaving someone less able to cope with stress.

Find the methods that work best for you and use them as often as you can to keep stress under control and your health at its best.