Tuesday, Dec. 18 2012 4:40PM
COMMENTARY
A healthy lifestyle helps us manage stress
By Judy Schmoeger
Guest columnist
Print
E-Mail
AIM
ReprintHolidays are a stressful time for some of us. According to the University Health Center of UGA, stress is a part of life, but the healthier you are the better you are able to manage it when it does happens.
The following information should be a part of your healthy lifestyle approach.
• Attitude:
The way you think about things can help you cope to stressful events.
• Healthy Eating:
Good nutrition and healthy eating habits can help you through stressful times today, not just prevent a heart attack in the future. Eating well will increase your physical, mental, and emotional endurance.
• Physical Activity:
Most experts agree that physical activity provides immediate stress relief as well as long-term stress management. Just 20-30 minutes of walking a day can give you more energy and help you put things in perspective. Our bodies are made to move and everyone can find some type of activity that is enjoyable.
• Relaxing Your Mind and Body:
Relaxation techniques can help you manage stress and also improve your overall well-being.
• Sleep:
Getting regular sleep is critical for a healthy life. Sleep is as important as nutrition and exercise when preparing to do your best and be your best.
• Healthy Relationships:
Changes in relationships can be a source of stress. At the same time, talking with a friend or family member can be helpful in coping with stress.
• Time Management: Sometimes all the things we have to do may seem overwhelming. Learning how to be a good time manager is a skill that will prove useful in every aspect of your life, and work and play more productive and less stressful.
• Alcohol and Other Drugs: Alcohol and other drug use can lead to many problems that can add stress to our lives. High-risk use can lead to poor decision-making.
• Tobacco: Tobacco can impact your sleep, ability to fight infection and your overall health. In order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, it is important to learn strategies to deal with stressful events and to understand that quitting tobacco use takes time and practice.
• Spirituality: Spirituality means finding personal meaning in your life and many find it helpful in managing stress.
Wishing you a stress-free holiday season!
