Stress: The Effects It Has On Our Body and How to Relieve It

To no one’s surprise, stress is a major issue that affects most of the U.S. population - it’s everywhere. Stressors affect people in many different ways, but in many cases they may have a negative impact on health, well-being, careers, and relationships. There is no single solution to destressing, although there are many ways that you can manage your life to keep your stress levels in check.

Signs of stress include:

• Decreased Concentration
• Higher Blood Pressure
• Increased Irritability
• Weight Gain
• Decreased Sex Drive
• Stomach Issues

Stress can be frustrating, but with successful stress management techniques, drastic improvements can be made to your life. Try these 10 simple techniques to help destress:

1. Manage your time. Flexible routines throughout the day lower stress by increasing daily predictability. Create short to-do lists for the day and remember that your schedule does not need to be extensive.
   
   
2. Enjoy the little things. Focus on the details of your everyday activities and say out loud the things you are grateful for. Slow down and try to focus on the now, instead of worrying about what’s to come later.
   
   
3. Regular exercise improves health and helps reduce stress. Small intervals of physical activity are effective if you can’t fit a workout into your schedule. Take 10 minutes out of your day to go for a walk and help shake off the stress.
   
   
4. Laughter releases endorphins that improve mood and immunity. Laughing also lowers the levels of stress hormones- cortisol and epinephrine.
   
   
5. Deep Breathing. Two times throughout your day take one minute to take slow deep breaths and focus on nothing but your breathing. Slow breaths can help to reduce stress hormones, lower your heart rate, and could help you to manage your blood pressure levels.
   
   
6. Find simple ways to meditate (find your inner peace). Sit at home for two minutes with your eyes closed while breathing naturally and try not to let your mind wander.
   
   
7. Take Nutritional Supplements. When you need a little extra help calming down from a stressful day or focusing on the task at hand, you may want to consider taking a natural mood support or stress management supplement. Quality of Life offers a few options including:
   
   
   • Positelle™ helps support a positive mood, alleviate occasional stress, and encourage restful sleep.*
     
     
   • Serenelle® helps increase your energy and focus by helping the body to reduce occasional stress, produce calming brain waves, and improve mood.*
     
     
   • PureBalance™ Serotonin provides the raw material your body needs to make serotonin,* in a complete formula that supports with mood, sleep, and a healthy appetite.
     
     
8. Enjoy Nature. Spending time outdoors is a natural antidepressant. Natural scents and sights have a calming effect on the body.
   
   
9. Keep a journal. Take note of all of the positive things that happen throughout your day. Journaling promotes reflection and organization of thoughts. The entries can be long or short, but it helps to remember what you are grateful for.
   
   
10. Sleep Well. Sleep allows the body's stress hormonelevels a chance to return to normal after stress is experienced. 

Keep these helpful tips in mind next time you’re feeling overwhelmed and try to keep a positive attitude. Always remind yourself - you can do it!