| Stress, the modern world is awash in it, and you | | | | go for a few walks a week during lunch will help a lot. |
| probably have your fair share as I do. Let's be serious; | | | | It's not necessary to have intense exercise, but if |
| since you are reading this you have far more than | | | | you're up for it, by all means do go for that 100 mile |
| your fair share of stress. Some is normal and healthy, | | | | bike ride or train for that marathon. Certainly check |
| but a lot of it is anything but normal. It can cause all | | | | with your doctor first though! |
| kinds of mental and physical problems, including clinical | | | | 3) Getting enough sleep |
| depression and even hair loss. | | | | A lack of sleep makes seemingly minor events cause |
| Since I'm going through a particularly stressful time in | | | | stress. Certainly I'm more cranky, unhappy, and yes, |
| my life, I investigated stress further including talking to | | | | stressed out, when I don't have enough sleep. I try to |
| medical professionals, mental health specialists, and | | | | get at least 7 or 8 hours a night, and although I don't |
| doing lots of on and off line research. Although not | | | | always make it, I try. The amount of sleep you |
| everyone agrees 100% on everything, most agree that | | | | personally need will vary but you know when you |
| the following five things help to alleviate and manage | | | | haven't had enough. Naps are a great way to increase |
| stress. They've helped me and countless others and | | | | the amount of sleep we get, yet may be impractical. I |
| perhaps they can help you too. | | | | often nap while traveling, for example on airplanes. |
| 1) Meditation | | | | 4) Cut down or eliminate caffeine entirely |
| Meditation can help with stress a lot. Meditation helps | | | | I'll admit this is a tough one for me, but I've cut down on |
| many people relax and it can reduce and minimize the | | | | my coffee intake. It's easier when I sleep enough, |
| excessive pressures of your life. Meditation need not | | | | which we discuss above, but I try to moderate |
| take a big commitment. Although you might start with | | | | caffeine intake every day. Caffeine comes in many |
| class or similar, just ten to fifteen minutes a day can | | | | forms, not just coffee and tea, Many sodas as well a |
| have seemingly profound results. Fans will insist it is a | | | | some medications also have a lot of caffeine in them |
| profound effect they experience. | | | | so be careful. I allow myself a coffee, sometimes a big |
| 2) Regular Exercise | | | | one, in the morning and perhaps another cup later. |
| People who exercise regularly are less affected by | | | | 5) Minimize alcohol intake. |
| stress. Both research and practical experience seem | | | | Alcohol helps my stress levels and I love a stiff drink or |
| to bear this out. Of course often when stressed out | | | | four when I'm stressed out. Unfortunately the effects |
| part of the reason is because of a lack of time, which | | | | are short lived and alcohol ends up causing more |
| makes starting an exercise program very tough. You'll | | | | stress in the long term. My doctor recommends 2 |
| be relieved to know that even minimal exercise can | | | | drinks max a day for me and you should talk to yours |
| have a big effect. If you are sedentary, just starting to | | | | if this is an issue with you. |