I spoke at a conference last month on how to minimize and manage stress for a happier, healthier life. The feedback from participants inspired me to continue the theme into my newsletter.
The May 2007 issue of IDEA Fitness Journal reported that according to Market Data, Americans will pay out an estimated $14 billion next year on products and services to reduce stress (up $3 billion from last year). Sadly, it looks as though it’s not helping. Estimates are that 70% to 90% of primary care physician visits stem from causes that are stress related to some degree. Adding up the cost of doctor visits, prescriptions, any procedures or surgeries, and time away from work, one can see the true cost of stress is well beyond what we spend trying to reduce it.
From over-committed schedules to allowing people to upset us, we create much of our own stress. When we perceive that we have no control over the situation, and don’t compensate with healthy habits, we can suffer the negative effects: weight gain, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, digestive disorders, memory impairment, and a suppressed immune system. That 70-90% statistic is suddenly so obvious.
If you struggle to take really good care of yourself and still meet all of your other responsibilities, start with small steps to bring that equation into balance:
- Physically fit people suffer fewer stress-related health problems. Just 30 minutes, 3 days a week of aerobic exercise can buffer some of the harmful affects of stress.
- If your mind keeps you awake thinking of absolutely everything, make a list of “to-dos” or concerns before going to bed. If your mind starts mulling over its mental inventory, remind yourself it’s all taken care of with your list.
- Create an optimal sleep environment. Do you have a comfortable mattress? Is your room dark, quiet and cool?
- Eat for lasting energy. Caffeine and sugar provide a quick boost, but the after effects raise our stress and decrease our energy. Each time you eat include a combination of carbohydrate, protein, and fat to keep you on an even keel and satisfied longer.
Maybe you know what you need to do in order to reduce stress and create a happier, healthier life. Start with what you think will have the most impact, but make sure the step is manageable. The last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed with stress-reduction!
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It’s common to put off starting a venture or building a habit until circumstances are perfect. In my business I most often see this with exercise, but thankfully that is not my problem.