Is life taking a toll on you? Work, family, friends, lack of sleep, aches and pains…the list is really endless. Are you constantly on the go, doing a million things at once while trying to please everyone along the way? Have you completely burnt out with the weight of stress on your shoulders? Well, it’s time to change all of that. You are in need of some serious stress reduction and I am here to help you!

Stress is a natural occurrence that the body experiences under certain conditions. When we are faced with a sudden stress, our body’s become ready for what is known as the “fight or flight” response. This type of stress is very important when we have to protect ourselves or quickly flee a situation. But this is not the type of stress that we are focusing on today. We are talking about the everyday stresses of life, whatever they may be for you. This type of stress, long-term stress, can take a serious toll on the body and one’s mental state including: headaches, digestive problems, aches and pains, chronic fatigue, low immunity, high blood pressure, overeating, diminished sexual drive, problems with relationships, poor behavior, etc. So, what can you do to ease yourself from stress? It really isn’t difficult. Simply follow my top 5 stress reducing tips to get you back on track and feeling great!

Top 5 Stress Reducing Tips

1. Breathing- Take time to breathe consciously. All you need is three minutes to really focus on extended inhalation and exhalation. Make sure you are breathing through your abdomen with deep breaths (no shallow breaths through the chest). This helps to calm the mind and the body.
2. Positive thinking- One of the most important tools that you can use to combat stress is positive thinking. You can speak out loud or in your head (honestly this works!). When you are having negative thoughts or feelings, become conscious of them and tell yourself to stop. Substitute those thoughts/feelings with positive ones. Positive imagery is also very powerful in reducing stress.
3. Relaxation- No matter how busy you are, you can take 15-30 minutes of your day and devote it to relaxation. Whether you get into a bath with epsom salts, take a long walk through a park, read a book, meditate or take a nap, this is your time to yourself without interruption. Turn off the TV and put away your cell phone, computer and/or iPad and just take it easy. This is YOUR time to slow down and relax your muscles and your mind.
4. Eating healthy stress busting foods- It is important to consume foods rich in B vitamins as they are important for mood and energy production. Such foods include: avocados, whole grains, tuna, cabbage, eggs, leafy green vegetables, beans and peas, artichokes, miso and tempeh. It is also important to consume foods rich in Vitamin C.  This vitamin helps to reduce the secretion of stress hormones as well as neutralizing free radicals associated with stress. Such foods include: fresh fruits and vegetables (oranges, lemons, apples, pears, leafy green vegetables, peppers, berries, etc)
5. Supplementation- There are two very popular natural supplements that are used for stress management. The first is called “Rescue Remedy.” It is an all natural remedy created from flower essences that is specifically designed to help reduce stress. It can be found at most health food stores. The second is a product called “Natural Calm.” This is a magnesium supplement that helps to relax the body and relieve feelings of anxiety and stress. It is a great supplement to take before bed if you are not getting enough sleep. It is also beneficial to help relieve headaches (as magnesium functions to dilate blood vessels and relax muscles).

With these simple tips, you will be able to reduce your stress and feel great! It’s time to get back to the real you!

Keep smiling