Stress Hot Spots

How many people really listen to what their body is telling them? Since no part of the body is immune to stress, it can affect the entire body, taking a heavy toll on the nervous and digestive systems. If you don’t want stress to become part of your norm, here’s what to look for:

Sleeplessness
Poor digestion
Lack of concentration
Feeling stiff and achy
Frequent flu-like illness

Try these tips to keep stress under control

Delegate

Does the house need cleaning? Laundry piling up? On the home front, let each family member be responsible for a room or a specific task. If you don’t have someone to delegate to at home, give yourself a break. Allow some tasks to wait while you regenerate.

At work, ask yourself if someone else can pick up part or all of a task that you may usually do. Letting go of some tasks will lighten the load.

Exercise

Cardiovascular exercise can reduce the level of stress hormones in your body, allowing you to cope more easily. Even a brisk walk around the neighborhood will reduce your stress level. So make a little time for yourself – your stress will go down and your energy will go up.

Avoid sugar

Sugar increases symptoms of irritability and anxiety in many people, and weakens the immune system. It has also been found to diminish infection-fighting white blood cell counts for up to six hours after consumption.

Make a list

A hectic schedule means that being organized and planning ahead is more important than ever. If you are lying in bed at night worrying about all the things you have to do, get up and make a “to do” list. It will help to clear your mind and get to sleep.
Laughter is the best therapy

It may be a cliché, but people who laugh on a daily basis rate the stress in their lives as lower, and enjoy better health. So go ahead and giggle – it’s good for you!