Stress is inevitable and an everyday part of our life. We have distress which is negative stress and we have eustress which is positive stress.
But what is stress, really? Stress is our reaction to whatever happens to us. What the heck does that mean? Well, stress is our consequences from our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
If you have stress at work, stress over money, stress in your relationship, stress at home, or stress over your health, chances are it is distress.
If you are going to school, have a busy schedule, own your own business, setting and obtaining goals, and you love what you are doing, chances are it is eustress.
So, what is basic stress management? Basic stress management is creating energy because we need energy to manage stress. Basic stress management is living healthy and taking care of the self so that we have energy and feel good.
Basic stress management is eating right, exercising, and getting plenty of rest. In addition, eliminating poor habits like smoking, drinking, drugs (illegal street and/or pharmacuetical), and innappropriate sexual behavior.
The best way to eat right is to eat mostly natural foods like fruit, vegetables, animal protein, and nuts. Natural foods do not include fast food. Matter of fact, it is best to eliminate fast foods because it takes a lot of energy to digest such processed food. This is why we want to take a nap after we eat processed or too much food.
EXERCISE
Exercise is very essential to increase your energy. It gets your blood flowing and gives you feel good neurotransmitters. In addition, exercise helps us sleep deep at night. We should exercise five to six days a week for 30 to 60 minutes. Many say only 3 to 4 days a week for 20 to 30 minutes but that doesn't seem to make a difference in energy levels.
The best way to get plenty of rest is to set the same time to go to bed and set the same time to get up everyday with the exception of an occassional party on the weekend. With this type of sleep pattern, exercise, and eating right your energy will be optimized.
Eliminating unhealthy habits is one of the hardest things to do and it takes sacrifice and commitment. Everyone is different and therefore, we have to choose the best way for us to kick a certain habit. The only thing I would say about that is never give up and always keep trying.
