I always say “stress” is multidimensional, not only from an emotional place. We always tend to recognize the unique emotional stressors in our lives…job, family, financial. But besides for emotionally driven stressors, our bodies are handling thermal stressors (AKA weather changes), biochemical stressors, structural stressors, and electromagnetic stressors constantly. Stress is the number 1 killer of our modern society –every chronic illness we face generally has stress as a cause. How do we prevent stress from invading our lives and our bodies? Here’s the hint: you can’t really stop stress. It’s going to be there no matter what. The goal is simply to mitigate the damaging effects on our system. To essentially build our resiliency, so we are more or less unaffected physiologically by life. Here are a few general suggestions on how to better handle your stress so your stress doesn’t handle you!
1. EXERCISE
Many studies have confirmed the power of exercise in supporting a healthy body and mind. A consistent exercise program has been shown to be more effective in treating depression than medications in many cases. Ideally getting outside to exercise is best, as you can benefit from fresh air and sunlight simultaneously, but if a gym is a better fit for you, just get your body moving! Remember to have fun! Check out my recent YouTube video where I discuss the important mental benefits of exercise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMgyDyMZJMk
2. MEDITATE
The only wrong way to meditate is to not do it at all. Find 5-10 minutes daily for yourself. Find a quiet place and do some deep breathing. You can use an app like “Calm” or “Insight Timer” and listen to a guided meditation to help keep your mind focused and clear. Some of my patients enjoy art as a form of release, as painting or coloring can be very meditative. Journalling, prayer, mantras…are all excellent ways, as well. Even for those who need to be more active in their releases, simply walking outdoors can be very grounding and a form of meditation. My suggestion if you’re one who would prefer to walk to relax and unwind/de-stress – go alone. It’s wonderful to go for a walk with your kids, spouse or pet…but that is not the same as walking for YOU. Love yourself enough to give yourself the biggest gift of all – time!
3. SUPPORT YOUR ADRENALS
Our adrenals are the glands that sit on top of our kidneys and are responsible for handling all the stress in our life regardless of its kind. They regulate and manufacture our stress hormones, sex hormones and other hormones to regulate fluid/salt balance. Sometimes eating right, exercising, meditation and getting enough sleep isn’t enough, and supplementation to provide the adrenals a boost is required. Vitamins B and C are fantastic supports for adrenal health. But it may be prudent to follow up with your doctor to determine what supplements are right for you!
4. CONSIDER TREATMENT WITH NEURO-EMOTIONAL TECHNIQUE
One of my favorite methods of assessing and working on emotional health at Integrated Holistic Healthcare is with a system called Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET). This involves muscle testing and identifying the stressors and emotions that are stuck within your subconscious that are preventing you from moving forward. Would you get on a plane where a 7-year old is the pilot? Likely not. But many of us are operating our lives with a 7-year old dictating our responses to triggers daily without knowing why. Through NET, we can identify these triggers, isolate the root cause or event from childhood and release that energy pattern, therefore freeing you to handle current situations with more clarity and less reactivity.
Wishing you a beautiful stress-free life! Here are 2 other YouTube videos I’ve posted regarding stress…check them out for more details and information, and consider subscribing to my channel Dr. Christy Cares!
I am passionate about supporting you and your adrenals in your journey towards optimal health…so, feel free to reach out with any questions!
Dr. Christy Matusiak