by Dr. Chris D. Meletis
1. Communicate - Talk it Out
The best way to stay stress free or deal with a stressor is simply to talk it out. A mellow and relaxing conversation with a friend is priceless and helps you keep things in perspective.
And don�t just focus on your challenges� build up your positive energy by discussing positive things like the upcoming weekend, vacation plans, recent fun times with the kids or something else that makes you feel good. We all get stuck on the negative stuff, but we�d rather be enjoying the positive aspects of life. It is time to manifest this in thoughts, words and deeds.
People that process life with friends are healthier and live longer.
2. Eat Well and with Positive Intent
Nourish your body with positive intent. All too often when stressed we all default to bad dietary choices and we start eating or drinking items that do not promote good health. Understand that when we are stressed, it is more important that ever to consume items that help defend against the ravage of stress. Reach for a tall, cool and refreshing drink of water and grab a piece of delicious fruit to nurture your sweet tooth and provide you some critical antioxidants and energy.
It is also very important not to miss meals. When stressed and hungry your body goes into storage mode and by the next time you eat your body will be programmed to store those calories as fat. And if the next calories you consume are “simple carbohydrate” comfort foods you�ll have just more than doubled your storage mode.
3. Locomotion� What a Notion
You can regulate your mood and energy with just two 10 minute activity sessions that get your body and heart rate awakened. This is the natural way to pep yourself up and get blood flowing to your brain so that you can peak your mental performance.
The basic principles of governing you and your environment states: “A body at rest is more likely to stay at rest and a body in motion is more likely to stay in motion.“; So break your inertia, sitting around benefits no one �especially you! Action should be your first big step in your pursuit of heightened vitality each and every day.
4. Tune In to Your Calm Station
We go, go, go and then go faster yet. Welcome to the hustle and bustle of our world. It�s time to tune out all the noisy static around us and tune into your inner calm. Defrag your brain and increase its efficiency. Just like your computer, your brain can�t multi-task forever without needing some well-deserved down time. You don�t think you have time�?
Yes you do!
Simply take a 3 to 5 minute mental health break every hour or so with the clear intent of getting your mind engaged in something not related to your current train of thought. Look at a picture on the wall, look at a tree outside, or watch your screen saver. Or, better yet - close your eyes and remove yourself from the high stimulation environment you are in� imagine yourself someplace relaxing and safe� lying in the midst of a springtime meadow, listening to the waves at the beach, hiking in the emerald woods, or watching the snow fall.
A calm mind is a productive mind.
5. Simplify the Chaos
How much technology has invaded your life?
Is it the chain around tethering you to the chaos?
Does it follow you from home to work and then back home again?
Cell phones, e-mails, blackberries, pagers, voicemail and answering machines all keep us too connected to the chaos. How about the media buzz we are constantly exposed to through the radio and television?
When was the last time you went totally silent?
When was the last real extended break you took?
Explore how much the information overload in your life is disturbing the peace.
6. Slow Down and Take a Breath
Take a moment, open a window and let some fresh air in.
Now inhale deeply and oxygenate the 50 to 100 trillion living cells in your body.
When you are stressed you will tend to take shallow breaths and not get all the oxygen your body needs. Indoor air pollution is also a huge contributor in feeling tired and inefficient.
So, once an hour take a moment and truly and sincerely breathe� and nourish your body.
7. Getting the Knack for Having a Healthy Snack
Keep fresh fruit and veggies handy. Make sure you have access to non-sugary beverages (not a soft drink) that are nourishing, healthy and worthy of your body. All too often deadlines lead to the under-fueling of your body. Feed your body well and its� performance will surge. Make time for a healthy �snack attack�.
8. Celebrate the Small Successes
We all have success each and every day. However, all too often we get lost in the �big picture��much like losing sight of the trees, for the forest. Make time to celebrate all the small successes. After all, they are the ones that lead to the big celebrations. Remember it is not the destination but the journey that defines your life.
9. Give Back
When you give freely to others with no expectation of a return on the gesture you will find a pattern emerging in your life that finds you happier and surrounded by people that are happier and more fun to be around. In fact you will have helped shift your immediate environment into a more nurturing place to live.
10. Take a Hike
Make time to take a stroll, with or without a friend or colleague. Fresh air and sun light are free of charge and are calling you to fuel your body with the oxygen and light that sustains the world, including yours.
Dr. Chris Meletis is the former Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon for 7 years.
© 2006 by Dr. Chris D. Meletis and Vital Age International, Inc.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.