Stress Management Tips to Thrive on

Stress is inevitable, it affects every one. It must be dealt with, it must be managed so it does not constitute a detriment.

We have to learn to manage the effects of stress so that it does not cause damages. Check out these stress management tips to thrive on:

Drown your stress and anxiety. Drinking water helps the body feel calm and promotes better sleep. Dehydration affects the nervous system and so increases stress levels.

Coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol causes dehydration, stresses the adrenal glands, impair liver function, inhibit neurotransmitter production, suppresses digestion, and raises blood sugar levels. Stay away from them.

Take a deep breath. Deep breathes supply the brain with oxygen which helps it function properly and deal with stress. Practicing deep breathing for up to five minutes about twice a day is known to reduce stress levels.

Stop and smell the roses. Literally, smelling the roses or other flower essences has been shown to relief stress. English homeopath, Edward Bach based his blend of five flower essences, “Rescue Remedy” on this principle. He used it to remedy many emotional problems including shock. Distress Remedy is a homeopathic blend with the five essences of Rescue Remedy plus other homeopathies that can train the senses to better handle stress. It is a good avenue to practice your deep breathing!

Proper nutrition. The importance of proper nutrition cannot be overemphasized. There are foods that help us deal with stress. Antioxidants and essential fatty acids. The body uses nutrients to fuel the stress response and so depletes us of vital nutrients. Fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and deep sea fish such as salmon and mackerel supply these nutrients.

Vital nutrients are hard to get enough of, so supplementing them is a good way to go. Other supplements that help with stress are B Vitamins. They feed the nervous system and produce energy. A proper blend of B Vitamins, Vitamin C, and other herbs will provide adrenal support, calm the nerves, and boost energy while allowing the body stay relaxed. Such a perfect blend can be found in Nutri-Calm.

Did u know these stress management tips?

A pleasurable experience does the body more good than a stressful experience does harm. This is according to Dr. Paul Pearsall, author of The Pleasure Prescription.

Making time for physically pleasant experiences daily, such as listening to music, or feeding birds at the park, activates the parasympathetic nerves and relaxes muscles and calms the body.

Spoil yourself. Give yourself a treat. Hit the spa, get a massage, or attend a musical recital. Pleasure enhances health, energy and emotional well-being. It promotes relaxation and triggers healing. Dinning at a very expensive restaurant does may increase stress when you get the bill!

Adaptogen is the answer to chronic stress. They help the body deal with stress. You guessed it, our herb of the month, Astragalus is an adaptogen. So are Eleuthero, Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Suma and Schizandra.

However, adaptogenic blends offer a wider spectrum in dealing with chronic stress.

5HTP is one blend of herbs that help metabolism pathway, a precursor to the neuro-transmitters triptophan, seratonin, and melatonin. Most successful anit-depressant are formulated on the same action.

Adaptamax is one of such blends. It reduces stress, improve immunity and counteracts fatigue, while promoting a relaxed and positive mood.

Adrenal Support, as the name implies nourishes depleted adrenal glands, metabolizes protein, and regulates insulin production. It is a must-have for dealing with sleeplessness, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic inflammation.

Chinese Mineral Chi Tonic is a powerful blend of nine herbs used in TCM to boost and maintain balance in the body’s energy system. It is sure to provide adrenal support, energize the body and promote overall health in periods of stress.

Another adaptogenic formula is Nervous Fatigue: a blend Chinese herbs that helps relieve stress, promote digestion and restful sleep. It is especially useful for those who are stressed in the day but can’t sleep at night.

SAM-e is a chemical compound that is so effective in dealing with stress that it is prescribed in Europe. Some say it is good for “everything”! It has been shown to elevate the mood, and reduce inflammation by helping the liver detoxify. It has only one side effect: weight loss. No stress management regimen should be without SAM-e.

To help maintain clear thought under stress and boost energy during stressful situations, Suma Combination is your choice. It consists of the herbs Eleuthero, Suma, Ginkgo, and Gotu Kola. There is virtually no kind of stress that cannot be put on a leash with this quadruple herbal combo.

Exercise is the magic bullet for stress. For stress you want to make sure you are getting some sun and fresh air. Exercise outdoors as much as possible. Exercise is liberating. It works it improves focus and clarity, increases blood and oxygen circulation, relieves tensed muscles, improves stamina, energy, promotes better sleep and restoration, and strengthens the immune and nervous systems.

A good laugh can also help the body handle stress. When you are stressed hit the comedy aisle of your video store, and get yourself a heavy dose of “The Three Stooges” or “Tom and Jerry”. Don’t be ashamed to laugh out loud even if you may be by yourself!

Music is another way of dealing with stress. Any music would do, as long as you like it. ACDC might work for some (hard to imagine), while Nora Jones may do the trick for others.

Relaxation. Watch animals in the wild, they all find time to relax. Planning to relax is a way to combat stress. A nap, gardening, sculpting, or doing a jigsaw puzzle may all count toward relaxation.

No one can tell you about the benefits of good night’s sleep or a mid afternoon nap. Your body says “Thank you, sire”!

Watching swans at the lake, or fish swim in an aquarium or pond, even a good view of the ocean or waterfall (even if it is a mere picture) also have huge relaxing effects on the nerves and body. No wonder the Bushmen never stress, they have great views at their disposal.

Spirituality. Prayer and worship, and all involved in spirituality is known to have profound effects on lowering stress levels. Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard University referred to it as the “faith factor”. Taking time daily to pray and read the bible is an essential component of a well-rounded stress management program, concurs Dr. Keith Sehnert, author of “Stress/Unstressed: How you can Control Stress at Home and on the Job”.

One Purdue study of 1,473 people suggested that those who regularly prayed, read religious literature, attended church or synagogue, and are considered active in their religious faith had half the health problems as non-practicing people. Translation: spirituality has an almost unequaled power to relieve stress by providing an inner sense of calm and tranquility. Alleluia!

Let me add that reading the bible at bed time is the best cure for insomnia I know! I dare you to read all of Psalms 119 in one night!