18 Mar Positive and Healthy ways of dealing with Stress in your Life

Last week was a rough one…. I had been working for months on a large project that very quickly went south. No matter how hard I tried to make things right, it completely fell apart. The stress and upset of the situation compiled with three sleepless nights, a constant fight to keep all of the balls up in the air and then it not working out was enough to make me feel as if an elephant was sitting on my chest. By the week, I was in full panic mode. The pressure was so intense that I had to remind myself to breathe.

I decided to take yesterday off to reflect and figure out the best way to calm down, put this behind me and move forward. I realized that I am not alone in dealing with extreme stress and adverse situations. For many people, living in constant stress has become a way of life. This is not a good thing.

Chronic stress can lead to negative health effects, both mentally and physically. Being in constant fight or flight mode is damaging to the central nervous system. Over time, stress can create anxiety or mood disorders as well as physical health issues. However, there are simple things we can do in our lives to positively combat stress and heal ourselves.

Easy and Effective Ways for dealing with Stress and Anxiety

MEDITATE: The science based healing properties of meditation include reducing stress and anxiety, enhances self awareness, increases kind thoughts, may help fight addictions and improve sleep. It’s a win win! Try an app like Calm to help to guide you with daily meditation and breathing exercises.

SEEK GUIDANCE: There are many alternative sources for seeking professional guidance that do not include a sterile white office or laying on a couch. HoneyBee Healing is a full service nutrition, wellness and lifestyle company with a mission built on a foundation of self-love and self-care. Owner, Melissa Roberts offers a variety of services that include wellness and life coaching, spiritual counseling, and self care. Services can be done in person or over the phone. Seeking guidance from a specialist is another way to take a step away and get back to the calm.

GET OUTSIDE and EXERCISE. This is a no brainer, but a good reminder that outside exercise is a wonderful way of reducing stress. Exercise produces endorphins, the feel good neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and improve sleep, thus reducing stress levels. Being outside in the sun helps to increase vitamin D3 levels, which help to increase serotonin levels in the brain and combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and anxiety. Take a hike, go for a run, walk your dog…it all helps.

PRACTICE SELF CARE: Sometimes the simple act of doing less is one of the healthiest things to do when fighting stress and anxiety. Practice saying “NO” once in a while. Your body needs down time to relax and replenish energy stores. Try shutting down the computer and phone at a certain time of night, take a bath, get a massage, sit and reflect with gratitude all of the positive things you are doing. A little self care goes a long way when coping with stress.

There are many healthy ways of combatting stress when faced with adversity. Try one or all when a stressful situation arises. Please consult a medical professional if you find yourself experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety or depression for an extended period of time. There is help out there if you need it.