DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE:
How to Stomp Out Stress
by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD
Stress has a major impact on health. It can impair impulse control, reasoning, learning and memory. It is very important to try to minimize the stress in your life in order to increase your longevity. When you do get stressed, just try to take a few deep breaths and refocus. We also have some other suggestions below for stress relief. Keep reading to see how stress can affect you and what you can do to decrease it.
The Signs
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased blood pressure
- Decreased sex drive
- Increased agitation
- Stomach issues/GI irregularity
- Weight gain
The Triggers
Work
- It has been reported that 77% of Americans stress over at least one work-related issue
- Costs billions in decreased productivity and absenteeism
Money
- 76% of Americans stress out about finances
- Paying bills/accounting has been reported as the most stressful household task, and unfortunately, plays a major role in the downfall of many relationships
Relationships
- 73% of American parents stress over family responsibilities (providing for the family, obligations, whether they are “parenting” correctly, etc.)
- Stress can be contagious. When you are with someone who cares deeply for you, your stress becomes their stress as they fight to either help you improve your situation, or are forced to watch you go through these events without a means to help
Technology
- Studies have reported feelings of rejection and anxiety over Facebook interactions either from updates from people they don’t like (exes, acquaintances, etc.) and/or rejected friend requests, guilt from rejecting friend requests, and having to monitor certain posts based on who follows them (i.e. family, co-workers, etc.)
How to Fix It
Exercise
- Only 48% of American use exercise as an outlet for stressful situations
- If you have a tight schedule, do little things throughout the day to get moving, such as parking farther away, stretching at your desk or getting up every hour to get your blood flowing.
Organization
- Clearing clutter and having a schedule tends to help you feel more in control, just don’t obsess over sticking exactly to your schedule everyday
Schedule “YOU” Time
- Taking time out to do the things you enjoy is an automatic way to lower stress
- Do the things you love, such as, reading, hiking, exercising, playing video games, shopping, listening to music, etc.
- As part of organization, schedule time to do these things and then you won’t neglect yourself because it’s already on your agenda!
What Happens When You Stop Stressing
- Better focus
- Better sleep
- Increased productivity
- Less stress eating
- Improved immune system
- More energy
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