Four Ways to Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Did you know April is Stress Awareness Month??

Let’s take a collective deep inhale and e...x...h...a...l...e.

In our fast-paced, social media-driven world, stress and anxiety have become all too familiar companions, affecting not just us-but also our children.

I'm excited to delve into this month's topic and share insights on what helped me navigate stress and anxiety related challenges over the years-in hopes that it will help you.

Stress, in both personal and professional arenas, is part of life. It can be beneficial, providing motivation or prompting growth, but its prolonged presence can take a serious toll on our emotional and physical well-being.

Whether it's the nerves I've had before a public speaking engagement, a significant business call, a presentation, or an athletic event, stress can manifest in various ways, but preparation, deep breathing, and laughter (at yourself) can help.

Similarly, anxiety, a persistent state of worry or fear, or FOMO, can range from mild to severe, affecting our daily lives, sleep, and overall health.

I have experienced both stress and anxiety at one time or another-and had to learn how to manage it, so it does not manage me.

I discovered the impact of prolonged stress and anxiety when I lost my father to cancer during college and eight years later became a caregiver for my mother, who was diagnosed with ALS, while I juggled work and babies. I was "Type A" and could barely manage it all.

By my late 20s, it became imperative for me to find ways to slow down and reduce stress (despite circumstances) to safeguard my health. As one physiologist said, so I could "be a?better?Type A". ??

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After our mom died, my doctor suggested I talk to a RN who was a grief therapist. The RN gave me tactical solutions on how to de-stress and reduce anxiety. She taught me to be intentional about bringing calm and joy into my life, especially in challenging times.

First, she said grief has no timetable, so I could give myself a break. Whew.

Second, she said to find a mentor and community, and pursue what I love doing daily.

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I took her advice.

Since then, I've curated a personalized list of activities and tools to reduce stress naturally. Among my favorites:

Waking up and saying, "This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice...and get at it." Exercise. Walking and running outdoors, pre-dawn workouts with FiA, music, hot yoga, prayer, meditation, massage, reading, writing, and being with family and friends. And, if needed, I use a weighted blanket to quickly fall asleep.

Four Free Ways to Reduce Stress or Anxiety:

1. Tai Chi: This practice was incredibly beneficial in reducing stress during my time as a caregiver. Honestly, I am so thankful for that guy who was on PBS doing Tai Chi at 10PM back in the day. Here's a simple 8-minute Tai Chi video by instructor Jake Mace for you to get started: Tai Chi for Beginners.
2. Non-Sleep Meditation: This 10-minute meditation video by Harvard Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman is excellent. You gotta try it. Non-Sleep Meditation.
3. Calm.com: Is a meditation app that offers calming exercises and sleep programs. Just thinking about their rain shower meditations calms me. I love it.
4. Happify.com: This science backed website by doctors and mental health professionals helps you overcome negative thoughts by focusing on the positive through a variety of activities and games. It provides a quick mental boost when you're feeling down or stressed. Seriously, it may sound hokey, but it works.

If you are struggling with stress or anxiety, you are not alone! Use this month to address it. Try these tips, or curate your own list of what helps you de-stress (that is not detrimental to your health), and reach out to your doctor for support. Being proactive will make a difference.

Thanks for subscribing to this newsletter! Please share these tips if you think it will help someone. And, comment below on which tips you've tried.

Cheers to your good health,

Amy

PS. For reading this far, I promise something awe inspiring. ??????