Page 63 - Harnett Life Fall 2018

Enjoy Your

Life:

Reduce the

Stress

By: Dr. Veronica L. Hardy

It is 6:30 a.m. when the first jingle from your alarm clock stress level. In contrast, giving yourself a few words of en-
sounds. Y ou hit the snooze button for your habitual 10-min- couragement through positive statements may help lower
ute hiatus back into sleep. When the alarm sounds again your stress. For example, “I will,” “I can,” and “I believe.”
at 6:40 a.m. you transition from your comfortable position Why not give yourself a boost each day through positive
to the shower. Y our life at the moment is on a timer and self-talk? This can take some practice, but it is well worth
there are no minutes left to spare. Y ou enjoy a shower, dry the effort.
your hair, drink a quick glass of orange juice, grab an ener-
gy bar and head out the door. Y ou travel through your day Stress Busting Tip #2: Learn a relaxation technique.
fulfilling work responsibilities, squeezing errands in during After journeying through your day, take a few moments to
your lunch break, handling family commitments, flowing relax. For example, deep breathing from the abdomen rath-
through traffic … It is 6:30 a.m. when … er than shallow breathing from the chest or noticing tense
body parts and relaxing them (especially those raised eye-
Although this scenario can play out differently in each per- brows and clenched jaw!). There are many other ways to
son’s life, we may all be able to relate. As people who are relax such as a warm bath or listening to soothing music.
on the go in an effort to respond to life demands, caring for Overall, you will have to find that special technique that
oneself may be lost by the wayside. Y et, the hidden danger works best for you.
of this lifestyle is a six-letter word – “stress.” The effects
of stress often go unnoticed until challenges such as health Stress Busting Tip #3: Un-trouble your mind.
problems, relationship difficulties, or an irritable mood oc- This simply means writing down your thoughts and respon-
cur. Did you know that approximately 75-90% of doctor sibilities, so your brain does not have to store it for you.
visits are due to stress-related symptoms? So, in order to Keep in mind that part of the brain’s job is to “remember,”
stay within the flow of life and be the best you can for your- therefore it is working to keep you alert about your tasks
self and those around you, I suggest placing yourself as a (even when you are trying to sleep). Yet, if you write this
priority on your list of things to do. How? Well, you can information in a journal or a to-do list then your brain can
start right now by practicing these three stress busting tips. take a break (and so can you).

Stress Busting Tip #1: Pay attention to your self-talk. As you can see, these are simple steps you can take to re-
ourselves duce your stress level and begin living a healthier lifestyle.
day Negativ with It is time to gain control over that six-letter word (stress)
can’ not and enjoying life to the fullest.
good enough.” Statements such as these can increase your

Harnett Life ~ Fall 2018 Page 63