Quick & Easy Ways To Relax And Re-charge

Use the Summer to Relax and Recharge

Dr. Jeff Ulery

Have you felt anxious or stressed lately? On going feelings of apprehension, fear or just nervousness can rob people of their quality of life and even negatively impact their health. Research shows that chronic stress and anxiety can shorten our life spans, speed aging and dramatically increase our risk of life threatening diseases. Stress can also cause immediate problems of poor performance, cognitive function (cloudy thinking) and depressive or angry mood swings. The good news is that there are things you can do to help with stress and anxiety.

You probably already know the most important things you can do to manage stress . . . That’s right . . . eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get a good nights sleep. Foods have a profound effect on mood and coping. Processed, refined and sugary foods exacerbate symptoms of stress while eating a diet rich in fresh produce, high-quality protein and healthy fats (especially omega-3s) help you better cope with stress. Give your body all the nutrients it needs and try some of these tried and true stress-less strategies:

Write in a journal
Go for a walk or hike…spend time in nature
Call a friend, socialize and welcome good humor
Get involved with helping others
See the big picture and slow down
Avoid unnecessary stress
Prioritize your life, set realistic goals and use a to-do list
Celebrate anything (successes, holidays, people)
Read a good book for enjoyment
Accept things you can’t change
Establish/maintain a daily routine
Keep thoughts positive
Make time for hobbies (music, dance, cultural)
Meditate- use a meditation or breathing app
Take control and learn to say “no”
Relax in a long Epsom salt bath
Light scented candles
Work in a garden
Get a massage
Listen to music
Watch a comedy show
Be optimistic and express gratitude
Let it go…don’t drown in perfectionism, lower expectations
Simplify, eliminate and delegate
Forgive yourself and others
Make time for fun and relaxation

Come up with a list of your personal favorite ways to relax and recharge and keep this list handy. Remember, YOU have the power to transform your health … ONE healthy choice at a time! So take some time to rejuvenate everyday and remember to eat right, exercise and get your rest.

We love Dr. Jeff Ulery and his team at Whole Body Health, especially their holistic, functional and alternative approach to health. For more information, visit their website at austinwholebodyhealth.com.