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Seven
Stress-Reducing Strategies
Is
there a more useful phrase
in the English language
than "Calm Down!"?
Getting past stress is
much more difficult than
it sounds, but it is possible
to take charge of one's
reactions to life's pressures.
To help yourself combat
stress, here are some practical
techniques for reducing
the stress response that
contributes to overeating:
1.
Don't Worry, Be Happy.
Instead of seeking comfort in food, engage in a pleasurable activity
that pampers you. In other words, do something fun that doesn't involve
calories! And when you complain of unrelenting pressure, create a
stress-busting itinerary. Check out the following options:
- Take a nap
- Get a massage
- Visit a Friend
- Read a Book
- Watch an Old Movie
- Go Dancing with a Spouse or Friend
- Sip a Cup of Herbal Decaffeinated Tea.
- Go for a Walk (Preferably on the Beach or along another Body
of Water)
- Play Games with your Kids
2. Take Charge of the Situation.
3. Eat a Variety of Real Foods Throughout the Day.
4. Replenish Vitamin and Mineral Stores.
5. Get Physical.
Moderate exercise can help reduce the body's production of cortisol
during stressful times. Physical activity also has a calming effect
on stressed individuals. Numerous studies have shown that moderate
exercise helps modulate mood, reduce stress, improves self-efficacy
and self-esteem, and reprogrmas the brain for optimism instead
of pessimism (Brownell 1995). Maintain a consistent exercise program
that combines both aerobic and anaerobic training. Don't overdo
it, however. Taking all your frustrations out during a vigorous,
intensive workout will further increase cortisol production.
6. Avoid Dieting.
7. Get Plenty of Rest.
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