Let us think, for a second, what causes stress in our life? Well, if I say emotions and bad food choices, will you believe me? I am not sure, but it is true. To feel and look good we have to find balance in our lifestyle and in our body.
As we remember, cortisol, the hormone your body produces when you are stressed, increases your appetite and promotes inflammation, reducing the body's sensitivity to metabolic hormones. To reduce cortisol levels and normalize your metabolism, you must relax.
No time to de-stress? Think again! You can lower your stress level in a second with these on-the-spot mood boosters.
* Start laughing.
Studies show that even forced laughter lowers cortisol and blood pressure instantly.
* Start singing.
Recent studies show that singing your favorite tunes is more beneficial than simply listening to them.
* Start repeating three-five words phrase.
Repeat continuously three-five words phrase while you are in a traffic jam, waiting in the dentist's office or before your important presentation. The repetition clears your mind and this is exactly what you need when you are stressed out. Phrases like I am calm, I am beautiful, I am strong, I don't care will help you and not only with stress but also in a lot of different situations, because our brain believes our words.
* Stop and enjoy the nature.
When you daydream, watch a bird in flight, stare up at the clouds, enjoy the ocean or a beautiful flower, your mind is fixed on one thought and that is a form of meditation, one of the powerful relaxation techniques. You can also use imagery meditation sitting quietly and picturing some place, thing, or activity that makes you feel calm. Study shows that meditation also changes blood flow to the brain and decreases anxiety while it improves other mental functions. If you live in a big city, store window with a dress you like will do the trick.
* Call your friend or talk to your pet.
Study shows that making conversation with someone you care about causes the same kind of positive physiological changes that a massage does. To express your feelings and thoughts you can either call a friend or talk to your pet (pets are even better listeners).
* Take a walk.
Some fresh air and moderate exercise can help clear your mind and frustration or anger.
* Squeeze a squishy ball.
Start squeezing something, such as a squishy ball, to work away your tension.
* Have some de-stress snack.
Chillies have been known as mood lifter, depression fighter, and one of the most powerful de-stress super foods, because they release mood-boosting endorphins. So keep a jar of salsa in your refrigerator.
* Have some Dark Chocolate.
Studies show that Dark Chocolate (70-75% of cocoa and higher) not only low blood pressure and clear the arteries, but also improves mood by boosting serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. Take a piece of dark chocolate, close your eyes and relax.
If we don't take care of ourselves, nobody will, but if something happens to us, who will take care of our children, our family? Studies show that more than 800.000 people a day take time off work because of a stress related illnesses. Let us be stress smart.
Survival For Busy Women
I am sure at some point you have heard the term, Ive got way too many balls in the air. In fact, you most likely uttered these words yourself. Implied in this kind of statement is the fear that you might drop one of the balls; the fear that if you pause to catch you breath all the balls will hit the ground and things in your life will get crazy. Too many balls in the air can translate into a weekly schedule like this:
Go to a full time job
Soccer practice with the kids Tues and Thursday evening
Volunteering on Monday Morning
Company coming in from out of town this weekend
Water the garden
Pay the bills
Wash the clothes
Make the meals
Clean the house
Sometimes even mundane life can feel all over the map and focus is difficult. Perhaps the problem is that on your big, long priorities list your name doesnt show up anywhere. When you are juggling you can experience stress, resentment, fatigue, a lack of enthusiasm, a loss of control or overwhelming discomfort.
So What Can You Do To Make A Positive Transition?
You can continue to toss balls at a break neck speed and simply hope to keep up if that is what you want. However, consider trying out a new skill! Any busy woman can master the art of Juggling with Grace. This new skill requires a shift in your thinking, a bit of creative brainstorming, and a dose of support to ensure lasting change.
Start Juggling With Grace Through Practical Personal Empowerment
Here are the down to earth basics: In order to shift from way too many balls in the air to Juggling with Grace you have to make a plan, which has to be obtainable and you need to elicit support. Change in behavior takes time. If your familiar habit is to live in the high gear, fast lane then you will have to down shift, change lanes and get used to a more comfortable speed that supports new and improved behavior.
Beginners Steps in the Process of Change Management
Step 1: Create a climate for positive change. Take exceptional care of yourself in order to have the time, energy or interest to care effectively for others. This will allow you to craft a more balanced life. Take personal time, nurture your body with healthy foods and exercise, practice open and honest communication, and simplify your life.
Step Two: Get really clear about where you spend your time and in turn, what areas of life are out of balance. I often use a simple assessment called the Circle of Life to paint this picture. Take a piece of paper and draw a big circle in the middle. Divide the circle into 8 equal parts. One the outside of each circle and label the tip of each dividing line as follows: Finances, Health and Well Being, Relationships, Career/Work, Personal Growth, Creativity, Recreation. Now, ask yourself, on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being completely dissatisfied and 10 being completely satisfied) how you would rate each part of your life? The center of the circle represents zero and the outer edge a whopping 10. Make a mark on each line to reflect your conclusions. Then connect the dots and you will find your circle is misshapen. This is a simple, yet powerful way to spotlight what needs your attention to achieve greater balance.
Step Three: Take one small step at a time to regain balance. Finances out of whack? Schedule a day to organize your files and records. Health and wellness less than idea1? Begin drinking 8 ounces of water a day. Get the idea? Start small and before you know it you will wake up to a life you have created rather than a life that has created you.
Step Four: Get support. Find a buddy to team up with, communicate to your loved ones about what is happening, and gather with women whose stories remind you, you are not alone.
When you take the time to step back and craft your life, to reflect on whats most important and on what makes your heart sing, what once was the stress of too many balls in the air beautifully transforms into peace of mind. This is what occurs when you juggle with fun and grace. To learn more about the new art form of juggling, about reclaiming balance and renewed energy and fun in your life visit my web site .
Both Irina Wardas, HHC & Corrie Woods are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Irina Wardas, HHC has sinced written about articles on various topics from Migraine Headaches, Skin Care and Tanning. Irina Wardas is a founder of NaturalCounselor.com and works with women who have stress or weight management issues. To learn more about her Women's Health and Wellness Programs and e-Books or sign up for her free Newsletter. Irina Wardas, HHC's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Corrie Woods has sinced written about articles on various topics from Women. Corrie Woods is The ChangeSavvy Coach. From her home base in Asheville, NC Corrie works as both a personal success coach and a business coach, specializing in how to successfully navigate change and achieve personal growth. Corrie can be reached at. Corrie Woods's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.
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