By Linda Folken, MS, RDN, CDN
In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and a steady exercise routine, it is also important to manage your stress. Stress management can increase your awareness of everyday stressors and allow you to be better prepared to handle them before you get overwhelmed.
Try these three tips to help keep your stress level under control:
- Give yourself a break. Daily stressors can creep up on you before you realize it, so treat yourself to at least one relaxing activity every day. Listening to music, meditating, writing in a journal, or enjoying a walk after dinner is all great ways to relax and relieve stress. Taking time for your self is important for both the prevention and management of stress.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise is one of the best methods for managing stress because it can relieve both the physical and emotional effects of stress. Consider fitness choices that also deliver specific stress-reducing effects like yoga, tai chi, or Pilates. Bike riding or walking can also be helpful. These are all great ways to get rid of pent-up stress and negativity.
- Express your feelings. If something’s bothering you, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to people you trust, like friends, family, or co-workers, about what’s on your mind. Write it in your journal. Even if you’re not looking for specific advice, it is therapeutic to get your feelings out into the open or on paper.
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” –William James
Linda Folken, Nutrition Education Coordinator, has practiced in the health care field as a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) for over the past 30 years. She specializes in Bariatric and Medical Weight Management.