December is a highly stress-filled time for most people, with time pressures, financial strain, too many committments all playing their part.
And this year the ongoing instability of covid-related pressures have amped everything up until we’re coiled up like a tight spring ready to burst.
So it’s even more important than ever to keep those stress levels down wherever we can. These might help.
Three simple ways to reduce the effects of stress on your body
⚡️ Journaling is a wonderful tool for reducing stress. It works because it engages both hemispheres of the brain and allows a person to fully integrate the experience and let it go. It inspires ideas and releases stress. Scientific evidence now shows it improves cognitive function, strengthens the immune system, counteracts the effects of stress and decreases the symptoms of arthritis and asthma.
⚡️ Meditation slows the mind and scientists now believe it even changes the structure of the brain. It helps reduce stress, promote inner peace, increase optimism, reduce pain, aid goal achievement, help solve problems, and promote healing. There are many different ways to meditate and not all involve sitting quietly.
⚡️ Coffee and energy drinks may seem tempting when you are feeling stressed and run down, but stimulants put even more stress on those already tired adrenal glands and leave you feeling even more burnt out in the long run. Skip the sugar caffeine fix and instead indulge in some healthy mood boosting foods like avocados, nuts, pumpkin seeds, celery or fresh fruit. Your body will thank you for the nutrients and you won’t be left feeling the crash later in the day.
Those who deal less well with stress have an impaired ability to repair DNA
