March Focus: Strategies to address the stress

Today we’re discussing considerations when addressing your stress on a general level. These all revolve around proven research on what scientists have found to be beneficial in addressing stress at its root (healthy practices, decompression practices, spending time with others, and seeking professional help)

1. Obviously, your overall wellness practices play a huge role in managing stress

1. Avoiding unhealthy eating habits (overeating or stress eating, convienience foods that are high in sodium and saturated fats like fast food, snack foods, and freezer meals)

2. Keeping a regular exercise routine and incorporating physical activity into your daily routing

3. Maintaining a stable sleep/wake schedule with sufficient sleep time. 

4. Avoidance of drugs and alcohol for stress management 

2. Making time to unwind each day and break from external stressors (this is a time where you are focused only on yourself and making an effort to to decompress, in relative silence)

1. A routine practice of deep breathing, meditation, myofacial release / stretching.

2. A coloring book, puzzle, or other quiet activity to stimulate your cognitive processes

3. Bonding time with your pet (bushing, petting, walking, etc so long as it is a positive experience for both you and your pet)

4. Take a break from social media, news outlets, tv, or any other media that sensationalizes and uses suspense as a means of drawing attention.

3. Bonding with others

1. Talking with friends

2. Connecting with community members

3. Participating in faith based activities

4. Spending leisurely time with family (not in front of the tv)

5. Volunteering for charitable organizations

4. Seeking professional help

1. Working with a counselor or therapist to establish practices that will minimize your reactions to stressful situations

2. Reading books that deal with strategies for addressing your specific stressors