Stress Relief

CHICAGO PERSONAL TRAINING
Wellness By Design

Stressed spelled backwards is Desserts

Home |

Personal Training|

Fitness and Health Guide |

Newsletter |

Index |

Aerobics |

Older Adult Training |

Stretching |

How we deal with stress has direct impact on our health. Many things affect our stress levels. How we feel, what we eat, how much sleep we get. The following information will help you with everyday stress. Note the suggestions for driving to work. Stress management starts before you get to work. If you start your day in a good mood, it will
be much easier to maintain that attitude throughout your day.

FINDING TIME TO REDUCE STRESS
By Mary Adler, Stress Trainer, Evanston, Illinois
Most people won't go anywhere without an appointment book, cellular phone, or pager. IN the fast paced 90's, it seems imperative to fill up the daily calendar with one appointment or activity after another, staying connected to everyone and everything, all the time. This to many, is Time Management.

Unfortunately, this form of time management does not allow for scheduling time to just relax. Raise your hand if you end each day anxious and stressed, craving sleep. "I just need to catch
a little shut eye, and then I'll feel better", right?

The foundation of managing your day lies within managing yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Your are so busy managing other things and people that you forget about yourself. Why do you neglect to schedule relax time? First and perhaps most importantly, you've been trained to make your own needs the last priority. With kids, job and significant other waiting in the wings, taking time to stare out the window read a good book is not on the "list of things to do".

Secondly, although you're told how important it is to schedule stress free time in your day, you don't realize the significant benefit to your own health. The final basis for the deficit in relax time...I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO!

The bottom line is that you need to learn why and how to relax. If you've ever experienced anxiety, sleeplessness or tension -- and -- done nothing to counteract it, it's time you
understand how important relaxation is to your health.

TIPS TO MANAGE/REDUCE STRESS

Take five minute breaks two
times per day

Five minutes of stretching
once a day

Daydream for five minutes

Doodle/Sketch

Pleasure reading

Breathe though diaphragm

Take a short walk

15 minutes pre-dinner massage

Listen to quiet music

Brief meditation

Knowing The Basics

Stress can be a contributing factor to high blood pressure

Reliving Stress In The Car - ideas on how to relieve stress when driving

Leave enough time for heavy traffic

Audio tapes / Calming music / Comedy tapes / Books on cassette and CD

Car Phone – Leave it turn off

Mentally review goals for the day

Keep a notebook and pen in your car for writing down ideals, or use a tape recorder. (Only at a stoplight! Safety first!)

NUTRITIONAL IDEAS
Vitamin C - Stress uses up vitamin C. Take the recommended RDI (recommended daily intake) once a day.

Food Sources
Citrus Fruit, Juices, Dark Green Vegetables

B Vitamins
Helps provide energy by helping to convert carbohydrates to glucose and are important in fat and protein metabolism. B vitamins are necessary for normal functioning of the nervous system and may be one of the most important factors for healthy nerves.

Food Sources
Whole Grains, Brewers Yeast, Nuts, Milk