If there's one thing that gets in the way of you being your healthiest, it's stress. For anyone who's found themselves standing in front of the freezer inhaling spoonfuls of Coffee Heath Bar Crunch ice cream to avoid finishing a project, or waking up three times in the wee hours of the night in anticipation of a difficult conversation, here's some not-so-shocking news: Research shows that anxiety can make you sleep less, get sick more often, remember less, become more prone to long term diseases and—as if you needed reminding— eat more or less(me).
In a recent Self.com poll, 85 percent of women said that worries interfere with their ability to catch sleep, while 71 percent say they're more irritable due to stress. And given the recent headlines about the state of our economy, it's not surprising that 52 percent of women say they are under considerably more stress than they were six months ago.
Check a few of these tips out to relieve and prevent stress so it will not take over you're LIFE!
-Turn up the tunes. Listening to music that has a steady (not frenetic) beat may cause brain waves to keep time and relax you. Load your iPod with a play list of the songs that make you happiest.
-Call a friend. Pouring your heart out to pals can help you cope with bad feelings and brainstorm new ways to solve problems. And don't forget to return the favor...lending an ear and offering support can make you feel needed and reduce anxiety.
-Break a sweat. Exercising for 30 minutes makes your body release chemicals that dull the physiological effects of stress response for up to a full day. But the effect only works when the activity is something you really want to do, so make sure you're psyched about channeling your energy in that cardio direction.
-Pamper yourself. Whether you get a pedicure or splurge on a blowout, giving yourself special treatment reduces your blood pressure and gets your mind off what’s bothering you.
-Light candles. The dim setting actually signals your brain to release melatonin, the good-for-you sleep hormone which ensures a better night's rest. And catching enough sleep helps keep your stress levels under control and your immune system humming.
-Snuggle with your sweetie. A simple 20-second kiss or hug increases endorphin levels.(love it:)
-Keep a journal. Jotting down your stressful thoughts can help you look at them more logically, potentially easing anxiety, mentally and physically.
Anticipate something awesome. Or something tiny that makes you smile. The point is to look forward to something each day, whether it’s enjoying your morning java or counting down to an exotic vacation. Practicing this will keep your mind from focusing on what could go wrong that day.
-Exhibit your exhilarating moments. Tape up pictures of three amazing days you’ve experienced, such as dancing at your wedding or crossing the finish line of a half-marathon. Honing in on the images for at least 10 seconds can lower muscle tension and stabilize your heartbeat.
-Give someone props. Pay a compliment to someone deserving. Research has shown that the more warm personal connections you make, the better your body is at jettisoning the effects of stress.... this one is my favorites too whenever I am in a bad mood for whatever reason I try to give a compliment to either a friend or a random stranger
Whenever I am stressed i tend to eat or not eat depending on what kind of stress related thig it may be or worse I close my self off and keep to my self so whenever I am in a bad mood I text my sister and tell her to send me a picture of my sweet precious nephew and it makes me fell so much better within seconds..
