S - T - R - E - S - S = America's #1 Killer

It's everywhere and all around us, whether at home or on the go. It affects our family, friends, and countless others across the world.  Whether we realize it or not, stress takes a high toll on our bodies and if we don't become active in the way we manage it, the results can be negatively life altering.  

According to WebMD, 43% of adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.  Seventy to 90% of doctor visits are for stress related ailments and conditions.  Stress costs the American industry more than $300 billion annually.

Unmanaged stress can lead to a condition called distress.  Distress can lead to several health complications and ailments such as headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, insomnia, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression and anxiety.  Stress also decreases the body's ability to fight disease and can leave one open and susceptible to getting sick easier.

Because life isn't presenting any promises of the stress levels going down, we have to find ways to manage it so we can continue to live a healthy life. Here are a few tips to think about and try:

1) Look on the bright side...think positive! Scientific studies have linked healthier brains to positive thinking where negative thinkers were found to have toxidity from memories and attitudes that pollute the brain causing memory lapse and possible disease later in life.

2) Watch your emotional response. We can't change people or situations, but we can certainly control our own reactions. Think through situations ahead of time and prepare yourself to handle it with a positive response. Or if something takes you by surprise, ask yourself this question, "In the light of eternity, is this something worth fighting for?"  Most of the time, you'll end up answering no.

3) Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.  If you've had a bad day at work, call up one of your besties and go out for coffee or a walk in the park.  Join a group or club with a fun common interest such as scrapbooking or cooking.  For the guys, go out to a field and shoot targets.  After awhile, you'll find that whatever bothered you that day doesn't really matter because you're having fun with people you love.

4) Get a massage!!!  Yes, mark it in your calendar to schedule yourself a massage at your local Massage Envy clinic.  You need "me" time!  Massage helps release serotonin, a good feeling hormone that helps to combat the stress and bring a more balanced feeling to the body.  It also helps increase circulation, metabolism, immunity, lowers blood pressure as well as detoxifies the body of lactic acid build up which causes muscles to feel tight and sore.  It's time well spent!

Remember, a less stressful you means a healthier you!!

Tandee Phillips, LMT
Lead Therapist
Rogers, Arkansas