How to Reduce and Manage Stress

We will always have stress in life and we can’t get rid of it completely. However, we DO have control how much we have and managing it in a healthy way.

It is important to address stress because it is directly related to poor health, whether you’re experiencing symptoms now or down the road.

Chronic stress is the reason for 90% of all doctor’s visits. Stress causes & raises inflammation, the main cause behind all major disease & sickness. Managing stress is crucial for optimal health.

I encourage you to reduce as much stress as you can control AND implementing techniques to manage the stress more effectively.

I suggest following these 3 Steps to Stress Management:

Remove & Reduce
 Redirect
Refocus & Recharge

1. Remove: Get rid of as many as possible the stressors that you CAN control. Take a look at your list. What DO you have control over?

Reduce: Most stressors can be reduced to some degree! Little changes do all add up! Look at where you could make changes. Some suggestions would be start to buy organic produce, swap out your toxic personal products or other lifestyle changes like setting boundaries, avoiding toxic relationships or keeping a tight budget to reduce financial burden & stress.

2. Redirect: This means asking for HELP and delegating! Do you feel pressured to “take care of it all”? There is nothing wrong with delegating chores, responsibilities, calling a friend for advice, asking your spouse or family member for help etc. Another option is to utilize service companies: think grocery delivery, house cleaning, nanny services, landscaping etc. to cut down on your to-do list and stress levels.

2. Refocus: Decide what is most important to you and create a new definition of success. Many of us are our worst critics. Reframe your mind when you start to have negative thoughts (“I’ll never get this done, I’m a failure”) to more positive statements and mantras (“This too shall pass, I have resources to help me”).

Recharge: Furthermore, we must recharge daily in order to be healthy, happy and balanced! Do something for yourself every day. You are WORTH it. Start with just 10 minutes a day, ideally with a good morning routine or night time ritual. Below are some ideas to help you get inspired!

Creative Holiday Season Stress Tactics (and ways to have FUN!)

• Get outside. Vitamin D & being in nature can boost endorphins
• Gentle movement. Walking, yoga flows & stretching are great ways to move without placing extra stress on the body.
• Exercise!
• Go ice skating or another winter recreational activity
• Do a Secret Santa gift exchange with your family or friends
• Do a holiday get together, whether in person or virtual
• Go caroling
• Enjoy (Christmas) Music
• Visit a drive through light display or neighborhoods with decked out houses
• Build a Gingerbread house
• Make Christmas ornaments, decorations or gifts
• Give out healthy gifts: homemade soaps, essential oils, healthy hot cocoa mix, healthy baked goods, non toxic candles etc.
• Play a holiday themed game
• Watch a favorite holiday movie or show
• Create a gratitude list for 2020
• Start a 2021 Bucket List and Goal List
• Write out Christmas cards

Here are some other healthy options:

• Get outside. Vitamin D & being in nature can boost endorphins
• Physical activity
• Exercise, yes it’s here again!
• Deep Breathing exercises
• Any form of Meditation
• Mantras, Affirmations & Journaling
• Write in a Gratitude book
• Coloring books or doodling
• Send a snail mail card to a friend or family
• Go shopping for a new confidence building outfit
• Treat your beauty routine: Paint your nails, schedule a spa appointment, visit the hair salon etc.
• Recreational sports and/or hobbies
• Connecting with others. Call a loved one, spend time with your spouse etc. Go outside for extra benefit!
• Reading
• Play a game 
• Watch funny Youtube videos and LAUGH
• Going to bed early & get rest!!

What are some of your favorite ways of self care, stress reduction and winding down?

What R do you need to practice the most?
What R can you implement this week??

I’m here to help! Contact me below if you’re feeling stressed and need guidance and accountability to get back to feeling your best!

CONTACT ME