Tips for Managing Your Stress

We’ve all been there. Completely stressed out and reaching for that package of cookies, bag of chips, or just one more glass of wine.

Here are some tips for dealing with stress and managing unhealthy behaviors:

Stay Positive. Did you know that laughter can lower our stress hormone levels, reduce inflammation and increase our HDL “good” cholesterol? Yep!😂

Meditate. Practicing any kind of meditation has been shown to reduce high blood pressure. Practices like yoga and tai chi can also relax the mind and body.🧘‍♀️

Exercise. When you exercise your body releases mood-elevating endorphins. Exercise helps you de-stress and lowers blood pressure, strengthens your heart, and helps maintain a healthy weight.🏃‍♀️

Unplug. It’s easier than it sounds! It is impossible to reduce stress when it follows you everywhere! Take time each day, even if it is for 10 – 15 minutes to escape the world. Put down your phone, get off your computer and do something for yourself. Turn off all electronics one hour before you go to bed. The blue light from electronics disrupts your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. 📱

Find ways to de-stress. What works for you? A few things to try include taking a warm bath, read a good book, do your favorite hobby. These can all give you a break from the stressors in your life.📖