Control Stress and Decrease Associated Problems!

Researchers say that stress can shrink your brain cells and age it prematurely. But there is good news too:  Exercise can make a huge difference!  Specifically in the case of the brain, time can heal the wounds caused by stress. Bruce McEwen, head of neuron-endocrinology at Rockefeller University in New York explains that “the brain is very resilient” and if given a chance, it’ll make every effort to repair itself. There is growing evidence that exercise has very powerful effects! Exercise seems to be the best method for restoring the brain to “normal.”

Stress can wreak havoc on the immune system. Studies show that stress shortens the DNA at the tips of chromosomes, making it harder for them to work properly. The bits of DNA are like the little plastic caps on the ends of our shoelaces,” says Elissa Epel, psychologist at the University of California. “They prevent the ends from fraying.” Researchers have found that our psychological stress is related to these “frayed tips.” As a result, the immune system ages at a faster rate. You already know the very best treatments: exercise and stay active, get sufficient sleep, eat a healthy diet, and don’t forget your Seven Essentials!

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT!

A major study was conducted with 116 men and 100 women, ages 35-55. Researchers tested all of the participants in the lab, at work and during leisure time. Participants were asked at 33 specific moments during the day whether or not they were happy, and the results were evaluated. Levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and autoimmune disease, were found to be 32% lower in people who reported more happy moments. The result of this study not only provide a powerful reminder of why our emotions are such a significant factor in overall health, they also suggest that what’s going on inside of your head can actually override the effects of what is going on outside of it! It’s not the stress itself, but how you respond to it that is the key to your future health.

Stress is any physical or mental response made on an individual. That’s just about everything! Whether our stress is negative or positive, our bodies physically respond the same way. For instance, the excitement you feel before a big game or a big date is positive stress. Your heart beats a little faster, your palms are sweaty, your breathing is a little faster and your temperature increases: these are all positive body responses. They are temporary reactions to the stress and our bodies relax soon after the stress passes. It’s the negative stress that you encounter when you’re late for a meeting or dealing with a major life change that can lead to negative stress.

•• Identify what is causing your stress. The first step to changing the problem is pin pointing the exact cause of your stress. Take a look at all aspects of your life.

•• Write it down. This can work in so many ways. Whether is it be listing out what is causing your stress or writing down a plan of action for your day, just the act of writing can help relieve stress

•• Do it now. Procrastination can be very stressful. Remember the old saying-"Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today". Get the idea!!

•• Have an outlet. Do something that will help you alleviate stress. Find a hobby, try aromatherapy, get a massage, meditate, plan a short getaway, take a friend to lunch, read a book, enjoy a long soak in the tub, or even exercise!

•• Plan Ahead. Having plans can really help. Having your clothes picked out the night before can be a time saver in the morning. Plan to fill up the gas tank whenever it hits a quarter of a tank-no more last minute fill ups when time is short. Plan out household or work tasks. This helps to limit surprises.

•• Take a deep Breath. When all else fails…BREATHE. You can do it anywhere, anytime, anyhow. The act of taking a deep breath not only allows for more oxygen to get into your system, it also triggers your body to start the relaxation process. A welcome thing in stressful situations. Take a deep breath in slowly with your nose, hold it for 3-8 seconds, then breathe it out your mouth. Push as much of the air out gently. Repeat until calm!

These are just some basic ideas to help deal with negative stress. Remember, one step at a time! Start today. Stress can be dealt with positively, but it’s up to YOU!

From healthcare professionals to scholars to giggling grade schoolers, everyone is brushing up on their belly laughter.  National Humor Month was founded in 1976 to heighten public awareness of how the therapeutic value of laughter can boost morale, increase communication skills, improve health and enrich the quality of life.

The idea of using laughter as a tool to lift our spirits is growing. Scientific research now indicates that the curative power of laughter and its ability to relieve debilitating stress and burnout may indeed be one of the great medical discoveries of our times. In his book Anatomy of an Illness, Norman Cousins cited laughter as an effective tool for promoting the healing process. In his words, "Laughter is internal jogging."

Pecans are loaded with antioxidants, a substance found in foods that protect against cell damage.

Pecans are a good source of fiber.

“For approximately a year, I have been making a double batch of Seven Essentials in my blender every day. I drink half in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. My daughter always takes her Seven Essentials on trips because she says it’s easy to mix it up in a shaker cup and it makes her feel healthy. Recently my husband and I took a two-week long car trip, but I decided not to bring my Seven Essentials - I just didn't want to pack one more thing. So instead, we snacked on pop and chips. I noticed a definite lack of energy during our trip and I did not have that feeling of well being that I usually have when I drink Seven Essentials at home. It makes sense to me now… I was not getting the seven nutrients that are truly "essential" for my health! After two weeks without my Seven Essentials, I was really anxious to get back home, and back to my daily routine of drinking my Seven Essentials twice a day. I'm feeling much better and more active, now that I am back on my healthy regimen of two drinks of Seven Essentials per day. This really is a true story! I kept thinking that I should have brought my Seven Essentials on our trip. Maybe reading my experience will encourage others to take their Seven Essentials with them when they travel. Sincerely, Inger” ~Houston, TX