The picture above I took from on the road in my semi out somewhere in south western Kansas. The tranquility of the open road is great for easing a stressful mind. At David’s Way, our approach to wellness is so much more than weight loss alone, as we know there are other elements that need addressed for true healthy living. Physical fitness helps us in losing weight and stress reduction. Stress reduction helps us in losing weight as our bodies produce less of the stress hormone Cortisol. Weight loss helps us in getting more physically fit and helps to reduce the stress which comes from being obese. All these factors are tied into a lifestyle and are interwoven together. David’s Way is not a temporary diet or a short term solution, it is a lifestyle we live.
Symptoms of Stress
Physical Symptoms: Muscular tension, Headaches, Insomnia, Twitching eyelid, Fatigue, Backaches, Neck/Shoulder pain, Digestive disorders, Teeth grinding, Changes in eating/sleep patterns, Sweaty palms
Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, Frequent crying, Irritability, Frustration, Depression, Worrying, Nervousness, Moodiness, Anger, Self doubt, Resentment
Mental Symptoms: Short concentration, Forgetfulness, Lethargy, Pessimism, Low productivity, Confusion
Social Symptoms: Loneliness, Nagging, Withdrawal from social contact, Isolation, Yelling at others, Reduced sex drive
Tips for Reducing Stress
- Learn to say “no.” Do not over commit. Delegate work at home and work.
- Organize your time. Use a daily planner. Prioritize your tasks. Make a list and a realistic timetable. Check off tasks as they are completed. This gives you a sense of control of overwhelming demands and reduces anxiety.
- Be physically active. Big muscle activities, such as strength training or even walking, are the best for relieving tension.
- Develop a positive attitude. Surround yourself with positive quotes, soothing music, and affirming people.
- Relax or meditate. Schedule regular massages, use guided imagery tapes or just take ten minutes for quiet reflection time in a park.
- Get enough sleep. Small problems can seem overwhelming when you are tired.
- Eat properly. Be sure to eat a diet high in protein and low in carbs. Do not eat refined sugar or processed foods. Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- To err is human. Do not treat a mistake as a catastrophe. Ask yourself what will be the worst thing that will happen.
- Work at making friends and being a friend. Close relationships do not just happen. Compliment three people today. Send notes to those who did a good job.
- Accept yourself. Appreciate your talents and your limitations. Everyone has them.
- Laugh. Look at the irony of a difficult situation. Watch movies and plays and read stories that are humorous.
- Take three deep breaths.
- Forgive. Holding onto grudges only causes you more stress and pain.