LIFE+ Blog

We’ve all been there: the kids need to be taken to practice, the house is a mess, there are bills to pay, emails to answer, and your PT still wants you to work in some exercises for that day. If this sounds like something you’ve experienced, you’re not alone. Replace one of the above examples with turning in a quarterly report or leading a meeting with your boss and sure enough, there are things in all of our lives that cause stress. If like me, you’ve dealt with stress and felt lost at times in the process, here are a few guidelines that may help you alleviate stress in your life:

1. DIET

Eating foods rich in whole grains (oatmeal, breads) help to boost serotonin levels in the brain which acts to control mood and emotion.  Leafy greens such as spinach are high in magnesium, which prevents headache and fatigue, two common symptoms of stress.  Avocados are high in potassium (lowers blood pressure) and almonds are a good source of vitamin E and B, which help to boost your immune system.  A well-balanced diet will give your body the best shot at fighting stress.

2. EXERCISE

Working out just 30 minutes helps to boost endorphins which creates a feeling of “well-being” and helps to normalize sleeping patterns.  Oftentimes when we are stressed, our sleep suffers.  Exercising is a good way to restore our sleeping and give our mind a rest from the stressful situation.  Choose an activity you like- yoga, hiking, running, etc. You’re more likely to stick with it if it’s an activity you enjoy.

3. MAKE LISTS

Sometimes when I get overwhelmed with tasks, putting them down on paper helps to organize it all and allows me to be productive.  Making lists helps to define what you have to get done and lets you prioritize them as needed.

4. DO SOMETHING

Here’s where a lot of us get stuck: overwhelmed with too many tasks, thinking that they’ll NEVER get done, we never try. Instead of feeling the weight of getting things done now, just choose ONE thing on your list and complete that. Then move to the next. You can only do so much but you have to start somewhere.

5. THIS TOO SHALL PASS

Keep perspective during these times.  Yes, the house needs to be cleaned, the presentation completed, and oil changed in the car, but in all these things aren’t we really blessed to have a home, job, car? When I start to get stressed, I take a moment to be grateful for the things I do have: family and friends who are healthy, a job that I enjoy, and the fact that really the world won’t end if I don’t get everything done on my list.  Keeping perspective and realizing that what I have is really a gift, helps me NOT stress about the stress.

What are some of the things you stress about? How is that stress handled?