Relax! We've got this!

I think of all the times I find my shoulders up around my ears from stress and realize I haven't taken my own advice! I find myself holding my breath, clenching my fists or teeth, holding myself VERY upright and stiff, all in an attempt to "control" the world around me. Forgetting that I have NO control on the world, I continue to beat myself senseless with all this unnecessary stress! Sound familiar?!? Well, lets change this!

1. Stress comes EVERYDAY:

a. the moment you feel stressed - take a DEEP BREATH and LET IT GO

b. as you LET IT GO - focus on dropping your shoulders & relaxing every muscle in your arms and chest

c. recite the following: I can control me, but I don't NEED to control the world.

d. if necessary repeat this process

2. Stress relieving exercise:

a. go for a walk - just 10-15 minutes. My mother used to make SEVERAL trips to the mail box EVERYDAY....not because she was expecting some great stuff, but to relieve stress and allow herself to calm down when dealing with a difficult child.

b. get a massage - ask your partner to set aside 10-15 minutes to rub your shoulders and neck. OR maybe your partner "doesn't do massages", then find a good local massage therapist who LISTENS to your preference for touch. You might NEED a deep tissue massage but can't tolerate that kind of pressure...your massage therapist should listen and lighten the touch. Swedish massage with its long, pulling strokes, is top of the list for "decompression" when stressed.

c. get acupuncture - make sure the acupuncturist is certified or licensed (as the requirement may be in your state). The top 2 reasons people get acupuncture is PAIN management and STRESS management. 95-98% of acupuncture needles DO NOT HURT. However, if you are SUPER needle-phobic (or just nervous) you can have the acupuncturist use EAR SEEDS for stress. Needles placed in the ears is called auriculotherapy and it is important to know your therapist is familiar with the "formulas" for auriculotherapy. In place of needles, some therapists use what are called EAR SEEDS. EAR SEEDS are about the size of 1/4th of a BB and have a bandaide backing that is used to adhere it to the ear in specialized places for relief.

3. Stress food and alcohol:

a. stress eating is not a good idea and many times is the reason we "pack on the pounds". Common foods eaten when stressed are carbohydrate-based, usually salt or sugar laden, and easy to overeat as they come in large bags. Examples would be potato chips, potatoes (with no skin - like mashed potatoes or french fries), fried cheese or onion rings, candy, and ice cream. Instead, try snaking on FRESH vegetables such as carrots, celery, snow peas, baked kale (done right, they taste JUST LIKE POTATO CHIPS but without the cholesterol)....just leave out the "ranch dressing" or other dips.

b. drinking to help with stress is just a quickly losing proposal - yes the alcohol temporarily "relieves" the stress, but does MORE HARM than good. The alcohol is also VERY DEHYDRATING. When you are stressed, adrenaline is released into the system and therefore your body begins using other "reserves" to protect itself. Because of the extra adrenaline load, your system NEEDS more water to protect your organs. Alcohol ROBS your body of alcohol even if you have it "over ice".

c. other fluids to help - add water with lemons and limes to help moisturize and stimulate your immune system as well as refresh your taste buds.

So, when STRESS attacks, react with a positive action and watch the stress melt away. Just remember, RELAX...We've GOT THIS!

Renee Lappin, LMT, Acu, HNC

owner Barefoot Wisewoman Health Center

BarefootWisewoman@gmail.com

#stress #holdingbreath #control #relax