Simple ways to manage stress

Thi​s goes without saying that some of us have had a stressful and emotional couple of weeks in this country. The good news is that although we may not be able to control the circumstances, we can control (or at least treat) how we RESPOND to the stressful events. Here are a few things you can do on your own to help you manage the stress:

1. Exercise
     Exercise especially in the morning will help get your circulation flowing. A simple brisk walk around the block for 20 minutes is all you need to do although doing more is perfectly acceptable. Slow meditative exercises like yoga, qi gong, or tai chi are all great ways to start your day.

2. Eat Lighter and Healthier
     Eating heavy meals weighs us down physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Instead eat smaller meals with bigger nutrition. Instead of french fries try half a baked sweet potato. Instead pasta make steamed veggies with butter. Instead of that bacon and cheeseburger eat a small salad topped with roasted chicken breast.

3. Supplements
     B vitamins probiotics and vitamin D3 during the day, omega 3 and magnesium in the evening before bed.

4. Verbalize Your Thoughts
     Don’t let your thoughts and feelings stay boggled up in your head. Talk though your feelings with friends, family and/or a therapist. Writing is also a good way to get your feelings out but what wee don’t recommend is getting caught up in polarized conversations. Which leads us to the next recommendation…

5. Detach from Social Media (at least for now)
     The last thing you need to do is engage in the banter that’s going on in everyone else’s head. Logout of Facebook for awhile until the waves of emotions pass. Don’t worry, you can log back in as soon as you are feeling less vulnerable and able to take a pass on the emotional roller coasters in your feed.

6. Acupuncture
      A lot of people have been asking us if acupuncture can help and the short answer is ABSOLUTELY! Acupuncture is very good at relaxing the nervous system, improving blood flow, and quieting the mind. If you are finding yourself anxious or angry or sad or depressed then an acupuncture treatment can help relax your system so that you can get through your day and focus on other things.

Dawna Ara, L.Ac, M.S.



Photo credit healthysimplelife