Stress Less #073

Did you know stress is bad for your health? It is! This week, we are talking about stress and ways that we can reduce the amount of stress in our lives—even if we can’t always change the things that cause us stress. Let’s discuss these simple ways to handle everyday stress and take good care of ourselves, physically, and emotionally.

Shownotes

6 Healthy Ways to De-Stress

1. Breathe.

Notice your thoughts & physical reactions to stressful situations. Reminding yourself to breathe slowly and deeply can stimulate your body to de-stress and bring your mind back to the basics. Try it! It really works. Deep breaths…

2. Clean (or do anything productive).

So much better than stress-eating is stress-cleaning. Do something that will make you feel productive and be release of energy that builds up when you are stressed. Clean bathroom, wash a car, organize a bookshelf. Whatever you need to do to occupy your mind and body while you are unable to do anything to change a stressful situation.

3. Move your body!

You already know this, but I must say it anyway. Regular exercise reduces stress. You don’t have to sign up for gym class, though. This can as simple as taking a daily walk, especially during times of extra stress in your life. Your body needs a release of that pent-up energy, and exercise is the best way to do that.

4. Find and use a relaxation trigger.

Brew a cup of your favorite tea, change into a comfortable sweatshirt, or sit in a favorite chair. Find something that normally triggers you to relax and then use it, especially when you are stressed, to tell your body “It’s ok to relax now.” This is so small and simple and yet it really works.

5. Get more sleep.

Everything feels worse when you don’t sleep enough. Everything. Sleep deprivation itself is a major cause of stress on our bodies. You may not be able to get a perfect night’s sleep every night, but all of us can take measures to better ensure we get the rest we need. Get yourself to bed earlier or take a quick nap in the afternoon. Find ways to sleep more and your stress levels will decrease.

6.Touch somebody.

Give yourself a dose of those feel-good. bonding and connecting hormones by giving someone a hug. Grab a kid and hug him or your spouse, or ask a friend for a hug. Physical touch is an important way we connect and feel connected with others. Make sure you take advantage of the touch-able moments in your life where you can express affection but also enjoy a little stress relief.

Feedback

We also share some more feedback for “Marcy” from last week’s show. Marcy was feeling “touched out” with a new baby and was having trouble resounding to her husband’s needs for physical affection. Listeners Beth and David offer their helpful perspectives.

Also mentioned in this week’s episode:

Interval training: all about Tabata style workouts

The study of Tabata vs traditional cardio workouts

Interval timer app on iTunes