Reducing Stress: One Step at a Time

It is 6:30 a.m. when the first jingle from your alarm clock sounds. You hit the snooze button for your habitual 10 minute hiatus back into sleep. When the alarm sounds again at 6:40 a.m. you transition from your comfortable position to the shower. Your life at the moment is on a timer and there are no minutes left to spare. You enjoy a shower, dry your hair, drink a quick glass of orange juice, grab an energy bar and head out the door. You travel through your day fulfilling work responsibilities, squeezing errands in during your lunch break, handling family commitments, flowing through traffic... It is 6:30 a.m. when...

Although this scenario can play out differently in each person's life, we may all be able to relate. As people who are on the go in an effort to respond to life demands, caring for oneself may be lost by the wayside. Yet, the hidden danger of this lifestyle is a six-letter word - "stress". The effects of stress often go unnoticed until challenges such as health problems, relationship difficulties, or an irritable mood occur. Did you know that approximately 75-90% of doctor visits are due to stress-related symptoms? So, in order to stay within the flow of life and to be the best you can for yourself and those around you, I suggest placing yourself as a priority on your list of things to do. How? Well, you can start right now by practicing these three stress busting tips.

Stress Busting Tip #1: Pay attention to your self-talk.

Self-talk consists of those messages we send to ourselves throughout the day. Negative self-talk often begins with phrases such as: "I can't," "It is too hard," and "I'm not good enough." Statements such as these can increase your stress level. In contrast, giving yourself a few words of encouragement through positive statements may help lower your stress. For example, "I will," "I can," and "I believe." Why not give yourself a boost each day through positive self-talk? This can take some practice but it is well worth the effort.

Stress Busting Tip #2: Learn a relaxation technique.

After journeying through your day, take a few moments to relax. For example, deep breathing from the abdomen rather than shallow breathing from the chest, or noticing tense body parts and relaxing them (especially those raised eyebrows and clenched jaw!). There are many other ways to relax such as a warm bath or listening to soothing music. Overall, you will have to find that special technique that works best for you.

Stress Busting Tip #3: Un-trouble your mind.

This simply means writing down your thoughts and responsibilities so your brain does not have to store it for you. Keep in mind that part of the brain's job is to "remember," therefore it is working to keep you alert about your tasks (even when you are trying to sleep). Yet, if you write this information in a journal or a to-do list then your brain can take a break (and so can you).

As you can see, these are simple steps you can take to reduce your stress level and begin living a healthier lifestyle. It is time to gain control over that six-letter word and enjoying life to the fullest.