Stress undermining your health?
Here are five tested ways to manage stress and be in control.

In today’s world, stress is almost inevitable. We feel stressed from different factors such as work, family, and lifestyle, and it affects us physically and emotionally. More and more people are suffering from negative stress. And it is taking a toll on our daily lives. When we’re constantly stressed and don’t know how to manage it, it can negatively affect our health.

Did you know, stress is a root cause for many diseases and can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, anxiety and depression, among other problems?

That’s why managing stress is very important to being healthy.

If you feel this describes you at any point of time:

• Feeling tired all the time
• Irritable and argumentative
• Having a hard time relaxing
• Feeling under pressure
• Never finding time for yourself
• No longer wanting to socialize

Simply follow these five proven tips to reduce your stress, get your life back on track and stay in control.

1: Deep Breaths

Breathing is a good way to relieve stress. And it’s FREE
A highly recommended stress management technique, breathing helps you reduce tension and relax quickly. At the same time, how you breathe can affect your whole body. Deep breathing is proven to be one of the best ways to reduce stress. When you breathe deeply, your brain sends a message to your body to calm down and relax. Deep breathing can reduce fast breathing and high blood pressure, and increased heart rate.

Dr. Maria’s Tip:
You’ll be surprised how much better you feel once you learn to breathe deeply. Find a comfortable position where you can sit or lie down and close your eyes. Let your mind wander and imagine yourself on the beach or in a lush park to create a sense of calm. Gradually take deep breaths in and out for about five to 10 minutes at a time.
Doing this everyday can take the pressure off you right away. And yes, when in doubt, always check with your doctor or a stress management specialist.

2. Exercise

The best way to relieve stress and to improve general health.
Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to relax your body. Plus, working out also helps in improving your mood. Make sure you get into a regular exercise routine. Even a simple routine of walking, running, swimming or dancing for 30 minutes can help you offset the negative effects of stress for long hours. Exercise is also recommended as it offers the added advantage of releasing endorphins in the body that improve your mood.

Dr. Maria’s Tip:
Working out eliminates stress and a host of health-related problems. Any progress is better than no progress. Simply pick an activity you enjoy doing – even if it’s brisk walking for 30 minutes, so it’s easier to stick to, and schedule time so you don’t forget it. Regular exercise also prevents obesity and other health problems, automatically reducing your stress further.

3. Connect to Others

Hello friend, goodbye stress.
Just the act of talking to friends and family could keep you healthier and help you deal with stress better. One of the best remedies for stress can often be to talk it out. Stress is normally the cause of some sort of problem that is mostly people-related and whatever the situation, there is always someone for you to talk to. Talking to others can also help to offer a fresh perspective on things.

Dr. Maria’s Tip:
Studies show that people with close friends have a greater ability to fight disease than people who are solitary. Make it a priority to socialize more. Find the time to be with friends and family even if it means letting go of the smart phone and other gadgets.
Open up to close friends and don’t hold back on expressing your inner fears and disappointments.

4. Relaxation Techniques

Take a break, raise your mood, reduce your anxiety.
Relaxation helps to loosen your tense muscles and calm the nervous system. There are countless activities to relieve stress. Simply stretching, taking a hot bath or shower, enjoying yoga, taking your pet for a walk or listening to music are all great stress busting suggestions that you can implement right away.

Dr. Maria’s Tip:
Beyond relaxation, aim to nourish your mind and soul. You can do so by learning something new. Focus on affirmations and positive thoughts.
A good massage can relax tense muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation, which can all do wonders for the mind.
Meditation is highly affordable and only takes 15 to 30 minutes a day, which is possible even if you have a busy day.
Whatever you do, even a small amount of peace in your day can help you deal with stress.

5: Do something you enjoy

Go ahead, take a break.
Modern life is always so busy, and it’s normal to get overwhelmed once in a while. That’s why you must consciously make it a point to just slow down and take it easy. Between your professional and personal life commitments, you need to set time aside to unwind. Protect your mental and physical health by planning on some real downtime. It may seem unreal at first but stick with it and you’ll look forward to these moments.

Dr. Maria’s Tip:
You need to consciously set aside special time for things you enjoy. Try your hand at a new hobby to do something every day that makes you feel good, and it will help relieve your stress. Painting, reading, cooking, going out with someone for a movie or board games are some of the suggestions. Learning how to manage stress takes practice, but you can do it.

Relax. And take the next step
Let’s face it, the stress we face today isn’t going anywhere, which is exactly why it’s more important than ever to find natural ways to reduce stress. One of the best ways to manage stress is to talk to a naturopathic doctor.

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Naturopathy – the proven alternative to manage stress naturally
More people are now realizing the benefits of naturopathy as a serious alternative to not only manage stress but prevent a variety of diseases and health problems. The focus of naturopathic medicine is to always promote wellness rather than merely suppressing the symptoms. To quote Hippocrates, “Nature cures, not the physician.”

An experienced naturopath identifies and treats the underlying causes to restore the body’s normal function and promote overall health. Take the first steps to address your stress issues and begin the journey to good health by contacting a reliable Naturopathic Doctor.

At Mindful Healing, one of Toronto’s premier holistic healthcare centres, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal health, on your terms.

Learn more at Mindful Healing and get in touch with Dr. Maria today.

Book your appointment with Dr. Maria at her Mississauga Clinic today!