Keeping a pulse on our stress level is always a wise idea. Many of us don’t really know our baseline stress level; therefore we don’t really know where we are and what is manageable for us so we keep doing more. For example, all of a sudden we can find ourselves triggered into anger by an erratic driver on the road and wonder how we went flew off the handle. This is what often happens when stress piles up. We become reactive and, at times, out of control. We can decline quickly.

Many stresses cannot be avoided altogether, but we can support our bodies in being more resilient, as well as reorganize some of our routines to minimize mood and energy problems. To help our bodies, it is important to:

–          Get adequate sleep each night. During seasonal change, more sleep is often needed to sustain the shift. Adding an extra half an hour can be of benefit to you.

–          Decrease sugar and carbohydrate intake. When mood declines you may notice increased food cravings, especially for sweets and carbs as the body is looking for that spike in energy. Focus on eating a balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables.

–          Move your body. Make sure that you are getting some physical exercise daily; a walk, time at the gym, working outside.

–          Take your supplements, including probiotic, Vitamins B, C, D, and fish oil.

–          Attend meditation, yoga, or tai chi classes – especially if you are anxiety-prone or get overwhelmed easily.

Creative thinking is important in learning to help you and may lead to stress-reducing methods, such as delegating work or deleting less important items from your to-do lists. Then you can look for ways to improve your coping ability, such as learning a new, useful skill or spending more time unwinding each day.

Cognitive therapy or skills-based counseling can be helpful in learning how to control the mind and work through thoughts that fuel depression and drain energy. But, working with the mind and body together is necessary in improving or resolving mood issues. After all, the mind and body dwell in the same organism.

To maintain a healthy mind and body, it’s important to engage in the effort to review and assess yourself – and, if need be, consult a professional to help.

Quote:

The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.

~ Tony Robbins