Time to De-stress

Last week, we discussed the biological and chemical facts regarding stress. I believe the word was “cortisol.”

We’ve established that stress often is out of our control; it comes from external factors rather than from something we personally have brought upon ourselves. There are two things to think about when talking about stress: first, how to prevent excessive amounts and second, when it does hit, how to cope in a healthy manner.

I think it is best to take preventative measures towards stress, rather than waiting till you have the stress-related breakdown. So let’s talk about different daily habits that you can utilize to help prevent taxing situations from getting out of hand.

Start off by simply being realistic. If you feel like you have too much on your plate, learn to say no! When you take on too much responsibility at one time, it is bound to lead to a meltdown.

Second, stop living in the future, and start existing in the now. Do not allow yourself to be caught up in the hypothetical world of tomorrow. Exist for today; you cannot control tomorrow, no matter how much you think you can. Take life one day at a time.

Another thing you can do to help prevent stress is maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting enough sleep; exercising on a regular basis; maintaining a healthy diet; and being wary of substance abuse.

As a personal trainer, I deem it necessary to pause here and go into further detail in regards to why exercise is especially important in preventing and coping with stress. As I discussed last week, when your body is stressed, it responds by preparing us for fight or flight. But this is, more or less, unnecessary in most situations. By exercising on a regular basis, you can help decrease the production of stress hormones; which, in turn, aids in preventing the long-term effects of stress. Besides, it is a natural antidepressant and a darned good sleeping aid.

As I said, those are all great ways to help prevent stress, but inevitably, we all reach our breaking point. So what then? Well, there are plenty of things that you can do to regain your composure. Obviously each of us is different, so it is important to find out what is best for you personally.

One thing that often helps people feel better is to simply talk about the stress, whether it’s to a friend, family, or maybe even the person who is causing all that stress. You may realize after a good rant session that perhaps you were making the situation out to be worse than it really was, or perhaps it will help to put the situation into a clearer perspective.

Another idea is to try deep breathing techniques. Although it’s most effective if you can isolate yourself in a quiet area, if that is not a possibility then wherever you are at is fine. Simply sit back, close your eyes, and focus on taking deep, full breaths. There are intricate breathing methods you can find easily all over the Web. If you feel this is right for you then I highly recommend that you check into it.

Another option is to simply exercise. Yes, I mentioned this one already, but seriously guys it is a great stress reliever. Whether it is Pilates, yoga, walking, kick boxing, running or lifting — whatever it may be, chances are, it will help to calm you down.

You must make time for yourself 15-20 minutes of personal time. Now in those twenty minutes you may choose to read, take a hot bath, meditate, or any of the other suggestions I have made.

Anyone have any suggestions or comments let us know? Leave comments and/or questions here or on our FaceBook page.

by Mike White (Owner, Trainer @ Body-N-Motion)