Tag Archives: stress relief

It’s National Stress Awareness Month. Here are the best workouts for stress relief ...

by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner Stress is a natural part of life. You can’t eliminate it. However, you can learn healthy ways to manage it … Stress usually has negative connotations. It is associated with excessive responsibilities, sick kids, overbooked schedules, and traffic jams. Used effectively though, stress can increase mental and physical functioning. Its release of fight-or-flight brain chemicals can energize us into action. It is impossible to banish all stressors from your life. Avoid the frustration of this futile attempt, and the additional stress it will cause. Instead, focus on better ways to deal with it. Start with these: Sleep Well Lack of quality sleep contributes to stress by exacerbating negative occurrences. Little hassles become disproportionately hard to manage. You are also inclined to make poor decisions and more mistakes when tired, which leads to more stress. Skip the Comfort Food Power up your brain and immune system with food for thought. No stress-attack needs to be fueled by sugar and caffeine. That only leads to a crash. Go for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like tuna. Snack on nuts and seeds. Essential nutrients improve concentration and help maintain energy. Monitor the amount you eat. Too much food can …

Stay charged throughout the holiday season. Here’s how …

by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner Accomplish fitness goals with less stress and more success. Stretch your way to better fitness … A balanced workout usually conjures up images of treadmills and climbers alongside dumbbells and weight equipment. Alternating between cardio routines and strength training provides balance. However, for a complete fitness program, it is essential to include a stretching routine. Flexibility Training Another term for “stretching,” flexibility training shows you are serious about fitness. This kind of stretching involves more than a few arm reaches while yawning to the sound of your alarm clock. A formalized stretching routine complements your workout and your every day functionality. It also can aid weight-loss efforts. (Now you’re paying attention!) Here’s how stretching is every smart exerciser’s secret weapon: Allows Efficient, Effective Movements Proper stretching improves range-of-motion in joints and loosens muscles. A good stretch segment segues the body and mind into the heart of your workout. It improves blood flow, which warms muscles and preps you physically. It also provides a natural pause to mentally prepare for the accomplishments you are about to make. It’s a chance to breathe out the day’s tensions and breathe in its freshness, clearing your thoughts for a mindful workout. …

April is National Stress Awareness month. You’re probably already aware of stress. What’s needed is a new perspective on dealing with it …