Stanford Medical School and the World Health Organization
agree that 90-95% of illness and dis-ease is caused by -
"Stress".
What is Stress? Hans Selye coined the terms stess, and
general adaptation syndrome (GAS), a complex of reactions
to prolonged unrelieved stress, in 1936. Briefly, we have
primitive fight and flight responses which are designed to
effectively help us deal with immediate threats to
survival. When these responses are engaged for long
periods without rest deterioration of the body ensues.
Chronic stress keeps the immune system shut down resulting
in chronic illness.
Unfortunately, a lot of us are on "red alert" for long
periods in this high-pressure culture. It is important to
give your body some much needed rest and supplies to combat
the fatigue of long-term stress.
Here are some quick and easy tips for de-stressing your
body. They take very little time to do and pay off greatly
in not only reducing stress, but also in building more
energy and stamina.
When you read these tips, you will see how obvious they
are. Yet, I think you will agree that in our hectic days
we often ignore these basic human needs.
Tip 1~ Breathe
Take a moment before going on to the next task in your day
for this simple act: take a deep breath, center yourself
and smile. What a difference that moment will make toward
relaxing and restoring your body and mind for the next
situation.
Why it works~
When the body stresses, breathing becomes shallow. You may
even notice that you hold your breath. Consciously taking a
deep breath gives your cells the oxygen they need, so the
body begins to relax and the mind is sharper. When you take
that breath deep into the pelvic floor, you will find you
stand up straighter and feel more centered and balanced.
Standing strong and in charge of your next step feels
great, so smile. When you smile, you actually feel better.
Your body takes that physical cue as an indication that you
are happy, so endorphins start to flow. A genuine smile
cues everyone around you too. You may find that others
respond better to you as well. Take this simple action
several times today. Feel the difference it makes in your
outlook at the end of the day. Teach it to others and see
the difference it can make in the whole group!
Tip 2~ Eat
Taking just a few moments for you, before giving to others
is time well spent. Now, you are giving from your
abundance rather than from an empty basket. Speaking of
empty baskets, how about those nutritionally empty cells of
yours. Pack a piece of fruit, some nuts, raisins or other
quick snacks to have on hand when you feel the need to work
beyond meal breaks. Something you can grab fast instead of
donuts, candy or fast food from the vending machine. This
does not require elaborate preparation, or time. Grab a
zip lock bag, throw in a few unsalted nuts, dried berries,
raisins, or other dried fruits, or natural foods you like
in it, and put it in your pocket, purse or desk. I also
have supplements in my energy pack. Take a handful or two
whenever you feel a hunger pang or drop in energy.
Why it works~
A small change in eating can create a huge increase in
energy levels immediately and in health over time. Your
cells need nutrients to produce energy for work and to
regenerate when they are under stress. Fast food, sugar
and salt actually have a deteriorating effect on the body.
Sugar can provide a temporary high, but to balance that
high the body will rebound with an equal or greater low.
You actually have less energy in the end. Eating a little
bit of nutritious food every couple of hours not only feeds
the cells what they need, it also has side benefits. When
your body knows you are going to feed it regularly, it
stops packing on fat to prevent you from starving. You
won't get so famished you would eat anything in sight as
long as it is fast (donuts, chips, fast food). As a bonus,
your body may also release a few unneeded pounds, which can
make everything feel lighter.
Tip 3 ~ Drink Water
Most of us have gotten into the habit of drinking many
things our body cannot use (caffeine, sugar, carbonation).
Replace one beverage a week with pure water and feel the
rejuvenation in your cells. Each week replace another cup
of coffee, or soda with a glass of water. Over a few
weeks, your body will actually desire more water, and the
transition becomes easy. You will find that your body
prefers water once you get started. Keep a mug of water on
your desk, or strap on one of those water bottles, so you
always have some with you. Sip it all day long. Yes, you
will need to take precious time to pee more often at first.
This is time well spent. Once your body gets used to the
idea that you will be giving it the valuable water it needs
regularly, it will stop retaining water. Your drinking and
peeing ratio will level out in a couple of days. As your
cells re-hydrate, you will look and feel younger and more
vibrant.
Why it works~
Our cells are predominantly water. We need to replace the
water lost from sweating, tears and the body's heating and
cooling system on a continuous basis. Dehydration is
associated with decreased energy, increased hunger,
tiredness, and aging wrinkled skin. In addition to
actually drinking water, you can eat more water-based
foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables for hydration.
Another good reason for replacing carbonated beverages with
water is that carbonation leaches minerals from your body.
Tip 4 ~ Rest
Take a break every couple of hours or whenever possible.
There have been many studies proving that workers who take
a break increase their productivity. While you are taking
that break, stretch your arms, back and legs. Most animals
stretch regularly. Watch a cat or dog sometime, and notice
how often they stretch.
Why it works~
Stretching improves the elasticity and mobility of the
body, which allows for more relaxed movement and less
tension. Resting the body and the mind to a state of quiet
opens the senses and the mind for more presence in the
moment, creativity and peace. When you create some spaces
in your day, you can experience more of what is present and
come up with creative solutions to stressful situations.
Putting the pieces together~
While you are taking that stretch break for 5-10 minutes,
have a glass of water, pop some of those nutritional
snacks, take a deep, deep breath into the floor of your
pelvis, let it out and smile. Feel the return of energy
and relaxation to your body, clarity to your mind, and
caring to your heart.
When you feel stressed and depleted, try these simple tips
for incorporating the basic needs of your body ~ breathing,
eating, drinking water and rest ~ into your hectic day.
Experience for yourself how taking care of YOU, provides
the precious resources you need to do what needs to be done
from a place of strength and abundance.
----------------------------------------------------
With over 30 years of education and experience in personal
and interpersonal growth, Aila Accad is an RN, Speaker,
Trainer, Author, Certified Well-Being & Life Coach and
founder of LifeQuest International, LLC. She has been
tagged the 'De-Stress Maven' more at
http://www.ailaspeaks.com
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