New Year Focus #1: Stress Management, Naturally

The stress, the Holiday parties, the gift-wrapping, the cooking – done!  The Holidays are over. 
As we transition from the Holidays to the excitement of a new year, we set goals and create hopes for ourselves for the year ahead.  Statistically, those goals don’t make it past January.  For the next three weeks, I will focus on three important topics to make this year different.  We will journey through them together but it’s up to you to make the commitment so that you may accomplish the change you desire.  Our first topic is stress and how to deal with it naturally.
 
Stress is defined as anything that poses a threat to our well-being. Stress isn’t always a negative thing -- sometimes it gives us that kick into gear that we need to complete our tasks.  What IS important is how we deal with stress.  Consider these helpful tips to combat stress naturally:

• JUST BE.  Set aside a 30-minute time during your day to just be.  Be alone with yourself and be present.  Journaling, taking a yoga class or getting a massage would be very beneficial.
  
• CUT OUT THE CHEMICALS. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and other chemicals that may be causing more harm to you.  If you can’t cut them out completely, greatly reduce your intake. 
• BREATHE. Take a deep breath.  Hold it for five seconds.  Release.  Learn some breathing exercises to use throughout your day.  They are incredibly beneficial in combating stressful situations.
• CUT BACK ON NON-ESSENTIALS. Do you have too much on your plate?  List your responsibilities on paper.  See what can be put on hold or eliminated completely.  Can any of your responsibilities be given to someone else?  Divide your tasks, if possible, and do not take on any extra responsibilities until your stress is under control.
• EXERCISE. Hit the gym and release those endorphins.  Nature’s pharmacy is right at your fingertips.  Commit to at least 20 minutes of movement per day.  Your health is incredibly important - find an exercise routine that will fit best in your day – and do it!
• EAT HEALTHY. Your diet is essential in keeping your mind and body healthy.  Add more whole foods into your diet to begin feeling better overall.  Cut out processed foods, or at least reduce your intake.  Baby steps create habits that yield lasting results.
• SEEK A COUNSELOR.Sometimes talking to someone is the best medicine.  Find a trusted counselor to meet with if you feel you are unable to handle your stress on your own.
• GET YOUR LIFE ORGANIZED. Organization creates a peace of mind. De-clutter your life to promote feeling more in control of your surroundings.  Create lists of to-do items for yourself daily, and check them off as you go along.  This feeling of accomplishment creates pride and helps keep you organized throughout the day.
• PUT DOWN THAT PHONE.We are a society that’s constantly connected to the internet through smart phones, iPads, and laptops.  Turn off all of your technical devices for at least 30 minutes per day.  Disconnect from the world, and be present.  

What is your biggest stress trigger? Take action this week by committing to lower your stress using one of the suggestions above. Setting goals is next week's topic as we continue our focus on making the best of this new year.



Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.