Stress Management Strategy Part 6

April 23, 2010
Stress Management Strategy #6
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010

This is the last installment of the stress management strategies. I hope these tips have helped someone in some way. I am slowly finding that my leg is healing and I should be back at the gym on May 3rd! I sure do miss all of you and my daily cardio!! I still cannot climb steps and my body is sure telling me I need to get back to the gym!! I had a birthday last week and since I am not getting exercise—boy!!! do I feel older!!!! Believe me a good exercise routine keeps you young!!!!

Oh, by the way, my computer issue is finally resolved. I was offered a Gateway computer and certainly refused. The computer offered did not compare to the one I had. If they could not get me one as good as mine or better I did not want it. So the warranty company sent me a check for the value of my computer and I am going to purchase a new Dell computer this afternoon. I thought while I have to sit with my leg elevated I can load software on my new computer.

Stress management strategy #6: Adopt a healthy lifestyle
You can increase your resistance to stress by strengthening your physical health.

Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. Nothing beats aerobic exercise for releasing pent-up stress and tension.
Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.
Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary "highs" caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand; deal with problems head on and with a clear mind.
Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.
Take care of your spiritual self. Spending time taking care of your spiritual health is very important.

I am looking forward to getting back to my regular routine of daily cardio and my training. I would love to hear from you. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!

CONSISTENCY!!!

April 9, 2010
Consistency
Stress management strategy #5
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010

Well I have only one topic for this weeks blog—consistency!!! For the past 2 years and 3 months I have been consistent in my attending the gym. I have missed occasionally and taken vacations. However on vacation I have walked extensively to make up for the absence of going to the gym. Now I am not trying to pin any roses on myself but am trying to make a point.

I have an issue with one of my legs which had kept me from attending the gym for two weeks as of tomorrow. I have to keep my leg elevated as much as possible. The type of problem keeps me from “walking” as well. I am here to tell you this is the pits. I can so tell that I am not working out. If any of you ever think of taking a “vacation” from your workouts and cardio take my advice and reconsider!!!!!

I am doing some sit ups and upper body with weights but I so miss my cardio!!!! I will be back as soon as I am able. So keep those cardio machines running and I hope to see my AM gym buddies soon. Love ya, Faith

Stress management strategy #5: Make time for fun and relaxation

Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by nurturing yourself. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors when they inevitably come.

Healthy ways to relax and recharge
• Go for a walk.
• Spend time in nature.
• Call a good friend.
• Sweat out tension with a good workout.
• Write in your journal.
• Take a long bath.
• Light scented candles
• Savor a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• Play with a pet.
• Work in your garden.
• Get a massage.
• Curl up with a good book.
• Listen to music.
• Watch a comedy

Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.
• Set aside relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.
• Connect with others. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress.
• Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.
• Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.

Learn the relaxation response
You can control your stress levels with relaxation techniques that evoke the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the opposite of the stress response. Regularly practicing these techniques will build your physical and emotional resilience, heal your body, and boost your overall feelings of joy and equanimity.

I would love to hear from you. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!

Stress Management Strategy Part 4

April 2, 2010
Stress Management Strategy Part 4
Year Three

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
HEALTHY AND THIN IN 2010

HAPPY EASTER!!!!
I have had to take time off from the gym due to an issue with one of my legs. I am under doctor’s care and hope to be back as soon as possible. I am very cautiously watching what I eat and doing some upper body work at home. I MISS THE GYM!!! I cannot take steps yet but as soon as I can I will be back. Hopefully by April 19th. I am a little panicky but being very careful and NOT stressing over this. As my stress management strategy this week states: don’t try to control the uncontrollable. I cannot change the situation. I can only listen to the professionals and wait.
Stress management strategy #4: Accept the things you can’t change
Some sources of stress are unavoidable. You can’t prevent or change stressors such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or a national recession. In such cases, the best way to cope with stress is to accept things as they are. Acceptance may be difficult, but in the long run, it’s easier than railing against a situation you can’t change.
Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our control— particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems.
Look for the upside. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes.
Share your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend or make an appointment with a therapist. Expressing what you’re going through can be very cathartic, even if there’s nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation.
Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and resentments. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on.

I would love to hear from you. Email me at healthierfaith@yahoo.com. Thank you for following along on my journey. I promise 2010 will be more interesting than 2009!!!!!!!!