Feeling Stressed??

"Don't worry about anything; instead, PRAY about everything. Tell God what you need and THANK HIM for all he has done." -Phillipans 4:6

So far we are 21 days into the new year, how are those resolutions holding up?? If your resolution has to do with weight loss, becoming healthier, exercising more, etc. have you been sticking with it?? If so, have you had enough already? Is it "getting to hard to be healthy"?? Have you been doing everything right- eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising, keeping your food log, and weight loss or physical STILL not changes in your body??
This is actually quite common, and it usually comes down to one major factor - STRESS! Some of you may know that stress can lead to weight gain, it can also contribute to premature aging. Which is why understanding how stress is related to your health is vital to achieving your health goals. Most of you might be aware of the body's natural response to stress is the "fight or flight" response. This is the body's response to a stressful or dangerous situation. When this happens your body reacts by releasing adrenalin and cortisol; which cause sweating, heart palpitations, slow digestion, stop blood flow for major muscles, and give the body a burst of energy & strength.
According to About.com - Originally named for its ability to enable us to physically fight or run away when faced with danger, it’s now activated in situations where neither response is appropriate, like in traffic or during a stressful day at work. When the perceived threat is gone, systems are designed to return to normal function via the relaxation response, but in out times of chronic stress, this often doesn’t happen enough, causing damage to the body.

Managing stress is the key to optimal health! Get rid of all that extra "noise" in your life! A very special friend of mine is a HUGE worrier. The thing about her is she worries (cares too much) about everyone & everything else in her life -from family, from job and excess obligations, from fractious relationships, and so on- more than taking care of herself. We all have negative thoughts, we over think things, and let our emotions get the best of us. But it's not these negative thoughts or emotions that harm us- its worrying about & fighting them. Nobody is perfect- so don't beat yourself up if you aren't. I was reminded of the above quote last night, it fits this topic perfectly. Here it is again...

"Don't worry about anything; instead, PRAY about everything. Tell God what you need and THANK HIM for all he has done." -Phillipans 4:6

So how EXACTLY do you manage all this stress?? From Mark's Daily Apple:
- Consume antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Completely avoid processed, empty calories found in snacks, junk food and fast food.

- Consume adequate beneficial fats to utilize antioxidants, vitamins, enzymes and co-factors. Wild Alaskan salmon, pure fish oil pills, olive oil, nuts and avocados are good places to start.

- Manage expectations: your own and others’. Ambition and motivation and generous support are all great traits to possess. But don’t over-promise to others or yourself. None of us knows the future.

- Exercise daily. I cannot stress this enough. Exercise releases endorphins and helps to regulate the production of critical brain hormones.

- Unhook daily. Reflect, relax, restore. Spend a little time each day reflecting on what I am grateful for. Prayer, meditation, singing, cooking and other activities that get you out of your head and into the moment are vital to helping you manage the stress of constant stimuli and energy demands. “Think positive” is nice advice, but it’s tough to do if you are at your limit. It’s easier to find an action that naturally lends itself to positive thinking and feeling, rather than trying to control your thoughts. That in and of itself can become stressful. Find an immersing action that works for you and do it religiously. Fuming not recommended.

10 Tips to Managing Stress