Every person deals with stress in his own way. Some people cope well with high levels of stress while others find it hard to cope with relatively minor levels. Everybody is under stress of some description. It can be positive or negative depending on the way the individual chooses to view the situation.
Sleep
The most important method in reducing stress is getting a good night’s sleep.
Most people find it hard to get good quality, relaxing sleep. They either find it difficult to fall asleep or they wake very early and cannot go back to sleep. They lay tossing and turning, building greater stress.
Sleep is essential for our body to restore itself after the day’s exertions.
Better quality sleep can enhance your immune system, boost your energy levels, increase your concentration, restore the body and improve your ability to learn.
Dehydration
Pure, simple water has a profound effect on the body. Every cell in the body needs water to survive and thrive.
Dehydration can lead to stiff aching joints, headaches, poor concentration and constipation.
Water is also vital to health in reducing harmful cholesterol and allowing exchange of chemicals through the cell wall.
Nutrition
Nutrition feeds the cells of the body so therefore good nutrition is essential to promote growth and healing, to strengthen the immune system, to fight impurities in the air as well as in food and to fight diseases.
A healthy diet is vital to lowering stress in the body. Too much sugar increases the likelihood of weight gain and can also adversely affect the immune system. Too much saturated fat increases weight and cholesterol.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies put pressure on the body and can themselves cause illnesses.
Protein is essential for healthy muscles.
Relaxation
Relaxation calms and soothes, relieves stress, anxiety and depression, helps prevent worrying, promotes peace and increases ability to cope with life.
Exercise
Exercise promotes feelings of well-being, decreases the risk of some diseases, improves the shape of the body, improves circulation, strengthens and tones muscles and keeps the body supple.
Massage
Massage can help to relax the mind and body thus giving the body a chance to heal itself.
Stress hormones build up throughout the body and need to be excreted or allowed to disperse.
The body is a powerful healer and massage can help by sending positive messages throughout the system. Massage can lower blood pressure, increase physical well -being and heighten a person’s awareness.
To reduce stress it is necessary to look at all aspects of your life not just the obvious problem areas. Stress affects the whole body therefore the whole body needs to be protected. Try to improve each of the outlined areas one step at a time. Every step, no matter how small puts you on the right path to a happier, healthier life.
