Most of us are aware that constant stress is not helpful for our well being. We may be well aware that it can keep us up at night, raise our blood pressure and increase irritability.

Just how stressed are you?

And most importantly,  how well are you managing stress?

Let’s face it, we all suffer some amount of chronic stress. But what are we doing about it? How important is it to do something about it?

Let me just say this…ITS IMPORTANT!!

Unmanaged chronic stress may lead to some serious consequences like:

Premature aging
Hypertension
Insulin resistance and diabetes
Heart disease
Chronic insomnia
High cholesterol
Depression

This is a partial list, but there are many more consequences.

The problem is we get used to our level of stress and don’t recognized how it feels in our bodies any more. We think we are doing ok but wonder why we can’t sleep at night, or why we have a short fuse with our loved ones, or why we have constant sugar cravings, or why we get a headache every day at 4pm.

Every person responds to stress differently. You may not have trouble sleeping or get headaches; but what about that stomach ache that keeps showing up more and more frequently or that TMJ that is troubling you?

There are many ways to manage stress, to keep it from having these harmful effects. Below is a list of some simple things that you can easily incorporate into your life to give you some relief.

1. Deep slow breathing. For good instructions on how to do this go HERE.

2. Meditation. I know that not everyone thinks they can or want to practice meditation. However, when you do it regularly and start to get into the rhythm of it, the benefits are enormous. Not only is this a great stress reducer, but it can enhance mental clarity and  promote better sleep.

3. Spend time in nature. Walking or hiking in nature is a wonderful way to slow down and let natural rhythms embrace you. Leave your to do list at home and just take in the beauty of your surroundings. Smell the flowers, lean against a tree, listen for the bird’s songs, sit on a rock and feel the heat of the sun. Smile.

4. Get Acupuncture. Of course I have to mention this. Acupuncture is well known to reduce stress, regulate the sympathetic nervous system and inhibit that fight or flight response. If you have difficulty with any of the above you may want to simply get regular acupuncture sessions to manage your stress.

I am also now offering private meditation instruction tailored to your specific needs. If this is something that you are interested in or if you would like more information you can reach me at 310-367-1564.