Smile – it’s good for you!

It is a sad reality of adult life that many of us are more often stressed than we are not.

Think about it: when was the last time you felt you had nothing at all to worry about?

It was probably months, if not years ago. That may depend on the kind of life you live and your personality – some people live their lives completely unburdened – but probably, the last time you were totally unconcerned was a very, very long time ago.

On the other hand, when was the last time you were totally stressed out?

That was probably more recent than the last time you felt totally carefree. Maybe you are even stressed out as you read this!

In a very busy world that needs us to be producing all the time… where we have appointments, due dates, and responsibilities… stress seems like an accepted part of life.

We hear that it is bad for us, and we know it is unpleasant for us to feel, but still we find ourselves struggling with stress and sometimes letting it spiral into full-on anxiety.

But do you know JUST how bad it is for us? Stress is so much more than just a bad feeling.

Of course you are familiar with the physical symptoms… heart rate increasing, chest pain, headache, upset stomach. But stress causes the release of cortisol, a hormone that can cause weight gain and contribute to long-term health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Stress can also steal 2.5 years of your life away from you… and that does not count the harmful effects of all the unhealthy things we are tempted to do to cope with stress (like smoke, overeat or overindulge in sugary foods, etc.).

If you find yourself stressed a lot… it is time to reclaim your life. Here are some simple things you can do to combat stress.

Take care of your physical body.

Of course I was going to mention this one first 🙂 After all, I do believe that a healthy life is a happy life.

When your body and your brain are working right, you are much better equipped to handle stress. You make better decisions; you think more clearly; you process faster; and you keep taking good care of yourself, so you keep getting better.

A healthy person’s immune system is going to be able to fight the physical symptoms of stress in the short-term and the long-term… and their brain is stronger, so they can keep up with the mental battle that comes with stress.

So eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and move your body when you can!

Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness sounds like a new-age technique and that keeps a lot of people from experiencing the benefits it has to offer. But deep breathing, yoga, and meditation are scientifically proven to help people manage stress in a healthy way.

Keep yourself out of stressful situations.

I know, I know… it is easier said than done. But it can be done.

A little bit of careful planning and a lot of discipline throughout the week can help you avoid as much stress as possible. Time management tools can keep you on task, and scheduling leisure activities and breaks into your week keep you from getting too overwhelmed.

Laugh.

You have heard that laughter is the best medicine – and it’s true! Laughter stimulates your circulation and helps your muscles relax, which can combat the physical symptoms of stress in there here-and-now.

Laughter over time also helps boost your immune system and aids in the production of natural painkillers… and of course, it also improves your mood.

So do whatever you can to add more smiles to your day. Save a funny YouTube video on your phone or put a picture on your desk that reminds you of a funny story.

As you go about your week, do not just read this email and forget about it. Try to add ONE thing to your routine that will help you manage your stress, even if all you do is drink another glass of water each day.

Remember that small habits add up to big changes over time. Healthy living is not a sprint; it is a marathon 🙂

Make today your masterpiece!

Florina