6 Active Strategies to Ease Away Stress

While stress may have many triggers, there is no doubt that in today’s day and age it is survival of the fittest. The current state of the economy and the required go, go, go just to make it leaves many people gasping just to keep their head above water.

In addition, the American dream is no longer the white picket fence with two cars in the driveway.  Unfortunately, money and possessions is driving many and contributing to chronic stress.

Chronic daily stress can lead to a whole array of health conditions including depression, anxiety, insomnia, depressed immune function, obesity, muscle atrophy, chronic pain, fatigue, etc.

Nearly 100 million Americans suffer from stress-related illness and a staggering 80 percent to 90 percent of all illness is stress related, according to stress researcher Dr. Kevin Pelletier.

Stress can trigger many physiological responses including increased leaves of cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones which may leave your body waving red flags and make you want to curl up into the fetal position.

Every situation is different.  Develop a plan that works for you, around your schedule, and that you will enjoy.  Taking an active approach may be just what the doctor ordered.

Here are 6 active strategies to ease away stress:

1.  Clear your mind – Yoga, Tia Chi, Meditation, breathing exercises, visualizations is a great outlet to fight stress.  The mindless practices have tremendous therapeutic value and is an important key to wellness.

2. Positive Thinking - Take the blank canvas of the day and paint your world as you want it to be. Alleviate any negative relationships and aspects in your life.  Set goals and take action.  Visualize your success.

3.  The Cheapest Medicine – That’s right folks exercise is the cheapest and most powerful medicine.  Get that body moving, increase blood flow, prevent and treat chronic disease, feel and look great. 

4.  Nutrition and Supplementation - Feed the machine.  A proper nutrition plan is important for optimal bodily functions.  Your body needs and deserves whole foods, minimally processed, and locally grown organic produce.  In addition, B-vitamins are known to help the body cope with stress.  Glutamine aids the immune function, enhances brain function, and blocks cortisol.

5.  Theraputic Modalities – Nothing like treating yourself to a massage or a soak in the hot tub.  The sauna or steam room is a good way to melt away stress.  Acupressure and ice is a very effective modality to treat your aches and pains.

6.  Have fun – Laugh and enjoy life!  Recreational activities, friendships, and enjoying the small things in life can help you cope with stress.  Be gratful and smile.  Don’t stress out man.

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