It is easy to get stressed these days, especially when the kids are running around in different directions, the economy is shaky and you have to work overtime just to pay the bills. Take some time to relax. You may not be able to completely banish stress from your life, but you can find temporary relief. One of the best ways to relieve stress is through massage. A simple foot massage can do wonders for you and is an inexpensive (or free if you do it yourself) and quick remedy.
High blood pressure (HBP) and stress are common and potentially life-threatening medical conditions. While there is no direct link between HBP and stress, both conditions can put you at risk for a variety of health problems such as heart disease, kidney failure and stroke. It is not certain how many people suffer from stress, but according to the American Heart Association, around 1 in 3 adults suffer from HPB. In 2005, the death rate from HBP in the U.S. was more than 18 percent.
While we all joke about pans of chocolate brownies or pints of ice cream for stress relief, there are foods that can help you manage high-stress times and feel good without packing on weight. Making smart food choices can improve your energy level and ability to cope with both day-to-day and extraordinary stresses. The best foods for stress are vitamin- and nutrient-rich, fresh and as close to their natural state as possible when eaten.
Scientists have studied the phenomena for decades, but the science behind what causes hair to turn gray is still murky. Most scientists agree that genetics and heredity play a major role in determining when we go gray. And while there has been no proven link, some scientists believe that stress may also contribute to premature gray hair.
Working with weights and weight-bearing exercise build muscle and help prevent disease. Additionally, working with weights and weight-bearing exercise such as walking or running help combat the stress we experience daily.
Stress is the body's response to increased physical and mental demands. The neck, which is comprised of cervical vertebrae, shock-absorbing disks, muscles and vertebral ligaments, is particularly vulnerable since physical stress brought on by poor habits, such as bad posture, teeth grinding and sleeping position, can cause muscles to tighten or tense. Even activities like reading in bed can throw the neck out of alignment, causing pain, headaches (when muscles in the neck begin to affect nerves) and possibly more serious problems. Try the following stress-relieving neck stretches to ease tension. Be sure to breathe while stretching, and stop if you feel pain, tingling, numbness or dizzy.
Pressure. Anxiety. Tension. Worry. Stress. Whatever you call it, you know when it's heavy on your shoulders. You might get tension headaches, feel nauseous or have anxiety attacks. Or your symptoms may be less physical and more behavioral: a constant feeling of irritation, a sense of being overwhelmed, an inability to relax, a constant need to defend yourself (which often comes out as a version of attacking others). The symptoms of stress tend to create even more stress. You may not be able to take a week-long beach vacation to get away from the sources of the stress, but you can incorporate some herbal remedies into your daily routine. Stress always exists somewhere, but learning to cope with it calmly and naturally puts you back in charge.
