Address your Stress

In today’s fast-paced life, it is pretty common to get stressed out if you don’t take care of yourself. Stress can take on many forms- yelling, crying, physical pain, fatigue, irritability, etc. and has been proven to cause many serious health conditions. Just like teenagers who don’t think that car accidents or STD’s can happen to them, until something HAPPENS TO THEM, adults don’t seem to think about taking precautionary measures until their stress has gotten so out of control that they are dealing with a medical condition or are filing papers for divorce. It is truly up to you to take care of your health and well being. As a mother, I know that I can’ t be the best mom when I am stressed out so I have to also resist the urge to push myself and take some “me time” here and there. Most importantly, I have learned not to feel bad about it.

I can always tell when I have neglected myself because I start to feel anxious throughout the day. I also know that my family can tell too because there is tension in the house. I was fortunate to have the experience with my favorite massage therapist of all times, Martha Santos with David Anthony Salon & Spa, a couple weeks ago. For me, I have quite a few de-stressing activities but one of my favorite indulgences is to have a relaxing massage. Martha is the perfect massage therapist for me because she is firm but nurturing at the same time. If you have tried massotherapy before and did not find it relaxing, you might not have had the right person for you. Each of us are different in our sensitivity to touch, so it is important to find just the right match in order to have the relaxing experience you want.

For men and women activities that help with de-stressing can be very different. I have a close friend who clears his mind when he cuts the grass or works on a project with his hands. I know women whose downtime involves a romance novel when the kids are in bed. An activity that might be used by your friend to de-stress may actually create stress for you so it needs to be something that offers you the opportunity to clear your mind, doesn’t induce anxiety, isn’t harmful to your health, is not a temporary solution that contributes to guilt afterwards (i.e. food, sex, etc.), and gives you moment of relaxation. Some examples might be exercising, yoga , meditation, reiki, reading, cleaning, gardening, pampering, cooking, golfing, fishing, etc.

Have you taken the time to de-stress lately?

What are your outlets for releasing stress?