7 Ways to De-stress your Mind and Body

Constant stress — whether from a traffic-choked daily commute or heavy workload — can have real physical effects on the body. It has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including mood, sleep, and appetite problems — and yes, even heart disease.

Stress may cause physical, mental and emotional aches and pains. It can cause your body and mind to overreact to situations, resulting in digestive problems, weight fluctuation, heart disease, depression, and a host of other issues that no one desires or deserves.

With that in mind here are 7 ways, to manage your stress, so you can get on the path to living a healthy and balanced life.

1. 10 Minute Walk: While just about any walk will help to clear your head and boost endorphins (which, in turn, reduces stress hormones), consider walking in a park or other green space, which can actually put your body into a state of meditation. Moving your body is important to combat stressful reactions, and prevent them from arising in the future. When you keep your body in peak condition, you feel lighter and more energized, leaving you prepared to manage life’s stresses.                                                                             
2. Breathe Deeply: Any yogi knows that the breath -- known as pranayama or “life force” plays an important role in nourishing the body. “Breathing exercises can help you relax, because they make your body feel like it does when you are already relaxed."                                   
3. Stay positive: Laughter has been found to lower levels of stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase "good" HDL cholesterol.                                      
4. Eat Well: Nourishing your body with the right food will give you the energy you need to tackle what life brings you, including stress.                                                                          
5. Sleep to Combat Stress: The key is making sure you’re not only getting enough sleep,  but that the quality of sleep you’re getting is restful and restorative.                                     
6. Hit the Road: Taking annual vacations is really good for you. It appears that going on vacation may not be an icing-on-the-cake type of indulgence—it may actually be necessary for good health.                                                                                                      
7. Find ways to destress. Simple things, like a warm bath, listening to music, or spending time on a favorite hobby, can give you a much-needed break from the stressors in your life.