STRESS AND YOUR HEALTH
Everyone has to deal with stress. It’s that feeling you get when faced with a challenge. Stress may occur when you feel like you don’t have all the tools you need to manage the demands in your life. In small doses, stress can be good for you because it makes you more alert and gives you a burst of energy. But feeling stressed for a long time can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
Even though it may seem hard to find ways to de-stress with all the things you have to do, it’s important to find those ways. Your health depends on it.
The body responds to stress by releasing stress hormones. These hormones make blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels to go up. Long-term stress can help cause a variety of health problems including obesity, heart disease, depression and anxiety and high blood pressure just to name a few.
Everyone has to deal with stress. There are steps you can take to help you handle stress in a positive way and keep it from making you sick.
Develop a new attitude
Make a list of things that are causing you stress. Decide which problems you can solve now and which are beyond your control. Learn how to calmly look at a problem, think of a possible solution and take action to solve the problem. Being able to solve small problems will give you confidence to tackle the bigger ones.
Write a to-do list. Figure out what is most important to do and do those things first. There are only so many hours in a day so set limits for yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to say no to requests for your time and energy.
Relax
If you’re feeling stressed, taking a few deep breaths makes you breathe slower and helps your muscles to relax. Stretching can also help relax your muscles and make you feel less tense.
Take care of your body
Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Being well-rested helps you recover from the stresses of the day. It also helps you think better so that you are prepared to handle problems as they come up. Eating right is very important. Try to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Getting physical activity each day can not only help you relax your tense muscles but also improve your mood. Research shows that physical activity can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Connect with others
Talking about your problems with friends or family members can sometimes help you feel better. They might also help you see your problems in a new way and suggest solutions that you hadn’t thought of.
For more information on ways to cope with stress visit www.womenshealth.gov.
Schedule “me time” into your routine
Waynedale Curves is officially making this September the month for “me time”. It’s time to carve out a space in your schedule for things that make you feel good and will also help you handle the stress factors you face every day. If you want some tips on how to get started in a new “me time” routine consider the following:
You get an energy boost from exercising. Women who live busy lives often think that exercise zaps the little energy you have, but the opposite is actually true. Working out generates more energy. Establish a workout routine, put it on your calendar and stick with it. The point of “me time” is to take time every day to enjoy the skin you are in. So when you accomplish something-whether a workout completed or just making it through an especially difficult task, you can pat yourself on the back.
Waynedale Curves will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE from September 15-20 with lots of fun activities and to give the women in the Waynedale area a chance to come in and check out what we have to offer. Our fitness center has many ways to help you get healthy and be the best that you can be for all of those that depend on you. Give us a call at 478-3500 to get more information on our September specials.
You can also visit our Facebook page at Curves Waynedale.
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