What to Do About Stress?
Stress: it’s a normal physical and mental reaction to the things that happen in our lives. Short-term stress is usually manageable; the body is built to handle it and cope. Long-term stress, if unaddressed, takes a toll on health; it requires attention and stress-reducing practices to minimize it and its effects.
What Stress Does? How does long-term stress show up in our bodies?
It raises blood pressure and increases the risk of a stroke or heart attack. It makes us vulnerable to type 2 diabetes, heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and stomachaches. Stress can cause muscle pain and body aches to develop. Men can experience dropped testosterone levels; women’s periods can become irregular and heavier. Stress can also suppress our immune systems, leaving us vulnerable to infections and other diseases.
Traditional Stress-Reducing Activities
There are some activities and behaviors that health professionals agree reduce stress, especially if practiced consistently. These include:
1. Breathe. Intentionally inhale and exhale. Deliberate breathing—filling the lungs and letting the air out again—can alter our mental state from an anxious one to a peaceful one. Powerful breathing techniques could assist us in improving our emotions and they are included in one of the courses that we offer here: Peace In Miami
2. Meditation/Relaxation. These practices combat stress, depression and anxiety. They also may increase self-esteem. Enjoy this Video:
3. Regular exercise. Engaging in physical activity does more than burn calories. It increases the secretion of endorphins—the feel-good substances in the brain. Exercise also increases confidence and decreases tension.
4. Talking. When we have a safe, non-judging person to talk to, it provides an outlet for the stress. Sometimes the process of talking also causes solutions to surface. Journaling, or writing down our thoughts, is a form of talking about our stress and can be as effective as talking to another person.
5. Just say No. For many people, this is easier said than done. However, saying “no” to additional commitments is a key way to reduce stress produced by an over-full calendar and other peoples’ expectations.
6. Be with family, friends, and pets. The support of friends and family increases our sense of belonging and community. Being with a pet gives us motivation and purpose and companionship—things that combat stress and anxiety.
Speaking of Happiness or at least Peace of Mind
Our mission is to assist our clients on their journeys toward health and wholeness in all areas, including stress management. Toward that end, we offer consultations, mentorships, courses and products. We teach a particular kind of yoga called “SKY”—Sudarshan Kriya Yoga. This yoga incorporates a powerful breathing technique that leads to stress reduction and improved health. It is called the Happiness Program which teaches skills for managing negative emotions, improving focus and productivity, and strengthening relationships. It contains yoga, breathing, and knowledge components.
Visit this page of our website by clicking here: Consultations to learn about the ways that we can come alongside you and assist you in living a stress-free, happy, and whole life.
We would like you to share with the Happiness Program coming up in Miami, Florida, that Dr. RoseMarie is teaching. Register and find more information by clicking below:
This program incorporates breathing techniques, SKY and ancient wisdom adapted to help with our current stressors.