According to the Center of Disease Control, if you are experiencing stress on a consistent basis you are at a higher risk for developing life long health problems. Most chronic diseases are now being linked to stress. Do yourself (and your future self!) a favor and start making lifestyle changes to improve your enjoyment and longevity.
Stress-busters to start implementing into your daily routine: Get outside! Connecting with nature relieves tension and increases calm feelings. Too busy to find a park? Even 5 minutes outside can improve your mood. Go outside during your lunch break rather than eating at your desk while you work. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the breeze and sun on your face and smile. :) Breathe like a lion! Try this yoga breath to immediately relieve tension in your jaw, chest and face. Take a DEEP BREATH through your nose then stick your tongue out as far as possible toward your chin while exhaling with a loud prolonged 'ha' sound. Doing this a few times may even get you to laugh which leads me to the next stress buster: Humor! A good belly laugh increases oxygen intake, decreases blood pressure and relaxes muscles. Create a Silly Brigade with your co-workers to see who can make the others laugh. Not only will this decrease your stress it may even improve productivity due to staff enjoyment at work. What will you add? Please share in the comments below. "Forgiveness is a breadcrumb on the way to everyday joy. When you hold onto stories about the past, you live the identity of a victim and can't possibly feel joyful.
If you are stuck in a grudge, consider this: You are the one who is suffering most. You are the one keeping yourself from living fully. Letting go of the past doesn't give approval to bad behavior and it doesn't require an apology. Forgiveness is a choice you make for yourself so you can be free of the past. You walk away from the part of you who keeps the suffering going and enter the land of freedom." ~ excerpt from Tending Your Garden of Everyday Joy by Gail Brenner, Ph.D. Stress can creep up on us quickly. These days with our busy lifestyles it is hard to avoid stress and feeling overwhelmed. If we allow stress to take over, our health, jobs, relationships, children and quality of life suffer. Making a stress-buster toolkit can help you prevent stress from becoming chronic and avoid burnout.
Below is a list of suggestions for your kit - add and personalize it to match your needs. For easy access, designate a box, drawer or shelf for storing your items. In addition to the toolkit, block off time in your calendar so you have time to consistently take care of your needs (your “Me Time”). Toolkit ideas: · Dark chocolate (personal favorite!) · Journal and pen · Epson salt and bubbles for bath · Candles · Funny movies and books · Inspirational lectures and books · CD/MP3 of relaxing music or meditation · Herbal tea · List of positive affirmations · Healing crystals · Yoga poses or Tai Chi sequence sheets · Prayer or spiritual book · Essential oils · Walking shoes for your walk in nature · Healthy snacks · Soft, snuggly blanket or comfy clothes · Dance music to get your groove on · Games · Punching bag and boxing gloves :) What will you add? © copyright 2016 Everyday Wellness, LLC For those of you who are struggling with life's challenges, you are not alone. I am here if you need support.
You pass on more than your eye color to your children. They pick up behaviors and traits from you, the good and the bad. If negative patterns exist in your life, you can break the cycle and be an agent for change in your family. I encourage you to start demonstrating to your children the importance of taking care of yourself. You, and your family, will be thankful that you did. Contact me today to get started!
November is National Family Caregiver Month.
For all the caregivers out there, thank you for all the hard work that you do! As a thank you, I would like to offer family caregivers a FREE 1/2 hr session of your choice. Call me today to reserve a time slot. Offer is good during the month of November, 2015. Here are some helpful tips for caregivers: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF • Caring for a family member with a disability can wear out even the strongest caregiver. Stay healthy for yourself and those you care for. • Work hard to maintain your personal interests, hobbies, and friendships. Don’t let caregiving consume your entire life. This is not healthy for you nor those you care for. Balance is key. • Allow yourself not to be the perfect caregiver. Set reasonable expectations to lower stress and make you a more effective caregiver. • Delegate some caregiving tasks to other reliable people. • Take a break. Short breaks, like an evening walk or relaxing bath, are essential. Long breaks are nurturing. Arrange a retreat with friends and family when appropriate. • Don’t ignore signs of illness: if you get sick, see a health care provider. Pay attention to your mental and emotional health as well. Remember, taking good care of yourself can help the person you care for as well. Exercising and eating healthy are also important. • Consider respite care. "Respite" refers to short-term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities so that their families can take a break from the daily routine of caregiving. See more tips from the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/family.html Check out my social media pages for more articles, updates and discounts: Click here for FACEBOOK and Click here for TWITTER
This article in Psychology Today mentions CranioSacral Therapy as a beneficial treatment method... click here to read the article.
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