I know I talk about stress a lot, but it’s hard not to in a world where daily angst is the new normal.
I certainly don’t like having to discuss the topic; if I could wave a magic wand and conjure up rainbows and unicorns, believe me, I would.
That’s not going to happen. So, we then have to find ways to deal with stress, or as Dr. Ken Redcross puts it, reassess your stress.
Dr. Redcross recently joined host Lisa Davis on Talk Healthy Today to share his stress reduction make-over, which you can implement in as few as 15 minutes per day.
1) Eat a good breakfast with “breakfast boosters” such as Greek yogurt (probiotics), mushrooms (immunity boosters), oats and barley (antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits), or an AHCC supplement.
2) Clear the clutter, both mental and physical. Categorize tasks as urgent, non-urgent, and important. Make lists. There is something cathartic about crossing an item off a list.
3) Breathe deeper daily. Practice yoga, Pilates and meditation. Meditation doesn’t have to be the traditional “ohm” style. I’ve mentioned before that mine is running. Find something that allows you to clear your head.
4) Try high intensity interval training (HIIT). Even 15 minutes can make a big difference in releasing stress.
5) Laugh! It really is the best medicine. Find something that brings a smile to your face, such as a kitten video or stand-up comedy set. I laugh daily listening to a comedy-based podcast.
6) Don’t be afraid to rely on your family and friends. At the same time, take a look at the potentially damaging relationships and friendships in your life. Who is bringing you down or adding stress to your existence? It might be time to let them go.