New Day...New Stress...Great Stress Relievers!

Well I've been busy creating a new Website for health/fitness and for Acting/Modeling.but it is NOT finished yet.  I want to give a shout out to all the bloggers out there cause I'm working day and night trying to figure this thing out and it is very time consuming.  I will definitely give you all a link to my site when it's done...thanks for your patience!! :)

So it is a new week and it's raining pretty good in Sunny California which is I suppose a great thing for our drought and water supply but not so good for residents of the burn areas.  This brings to mind worry and stress, I know my house has a few leaks in the roof but I cannot imagine the stress of a devastating mud slide taking my home.  Here are some of my FAVORITE stress relievers....

1. MUSIC...listening to your favorite music.  Turn it on and turn it up.  Music really helps to change your mood and lighten your mood and provides a distraction from stressful situations.  Dance around a bit and if you are in a public spot put headphones on and sneak away to a secluded place..(i.e.) bathroom, empty hallway and just MOVE to the music!
2. Journaling!  Sometimes the best way to deal with stress is writing down your fears and feelings.  Some how writing them down is like talking about them with your best friend and very theraputic.  I have a Journal that I use to write down all the bad/negative crap that gets stuck in my head thatI can't seem to let go of. Writing it down takes it out of my head and lets me move on to the positive things in my life.
3. Exercise!!! My favorite stress reliever.  I put it 3rd because I know some of you cannot fathom working out when you feel stressed, but in reality it's the BEST thing for your mind and body! (See you can combine 1 and 2 in one shot!  whether your workout is Yoga, Cardio/Aerobic, stretching or going for a run take 10-30 minutes to get up and do something!  Exercise provides a distraction from stressful situations, as well as an outlet for frustrations, and gives you a lift via endorphins as well.
4. EAT something Healthy!! When we get stressed some of use Don't eat while others indulge in high fat/caloric foods. Even though in the moment that taste great they often leave you feeling like crap because you express guilt after eating those foods.  I like to eat Tropical Fruits such as pineapple, melons, papaya and also assortments of berries!  When I eat those things my mind and body feels like I'm on vacation and I feel good about my choices and it's mostly finger foods so your mind is thinking about the next berry or pineapple chunk and NOT about the things that trouble you!  So eat granola's yogurt, fruit, sorbet, cheese or nuts (almonds, cashews and walnuts) All these are great for your body and mind.
5. HUG someone you love!! whether it be your hubby, baby, best friend or your Dog...Hugs will always make you feel better!! Nothing makes me smile more that my baby girl's Hugs and Kisses!! (see pic below!!)

Below are the reasons why you need to control stress and not let it control you!

How Stress Affects Your Body

Stress can affect your body in many different ways. Learn more about the effects of stress on your physical and emotional health.
•Heart Disease

•Blood Pressure and Stroke

•Metabolic Syndrome

•Weight Gain

•Stress and Immunity

•Psychosomatic Illness

Mental and Emotional Effects of Stress

You may be able to recognize the 'stressed-out' feeling you get when you're overwhelmed. In addition to that feeling, here are several other ways that stress can affect your thinking, behavior and emotional state.
•Anxiety

•Emotional Eating

•Feeling Overwhelmed

•Cognitive Impairment

•Psychosomatic Illness

•Anger and Your Health

•Rumination--Obsessing About Stress
 
So try to use some of my techniques to relieve stress and smile cause even the most stressful situation Must  and Will Pass!  Talk to you soon.......
xo Catherine