Let’s face it: we live in a stress filled world. There’s not a whole lot we can do about that. But there is a lot we can do to deal with and manage that stress. Did you know that chronic stress is at least a contributing factor, if not THE primary cause, of over 90% of all illnesses and diseases? It is also the cause of vertebral subluxations, which interfere with the proper function of the nervous system. When the messages coming from the brain get scrambled going to the body, all kinds of negative effects can happen, from pain, numbness and muscle weakness to heart disease, digestive issues, and cancer. Stress truly is a killer. So what can we do about this killer? Here are some simple tips that you can do every day to help manage your stress level…

1. Take a few deep breaths. Oxygen getting into the body is an immediate stress reducer.

2. Smile!!! Robert Cooper, Ph.D., author of The Power of 5, says that “smiling transmits nerve impulses from the facial muscles to the limbic system, a key emotional center in the brain, tilting the neurochemical balance toward calm.” Not a fake smile, either, but a genuine smile. Plus, smiles are contagious. If you smile at someone, they will, more than likely, smile back, thus reducing their stress level as well. Win Win!

3. Make sure you’re getting adequate rest! Seven hours of sleep minimum at night is essential for good health and stress management.

4. Drink plenty of water! A good rule of thumb is to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of pure, filtered water each day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be drinking at least 75 ounces of water a day. More if you are exercising or if it’s hot outside. Water nourishes the body and calms it down.

5. Avoid violent TV, internet, news or books, especially before bed. Those violent, negative thoughts and images add stress to our bodies and minds. Negativity breeds more stress.

6. Homeopathic remedies, especially Rescue Remedy by Bach’s, help reduce stress. I use it whenever I feel stressed.

7. Aromatherapy. Many essential oils help reduce stress. These include anise, basil, bay, chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rose and thyme. Place some rock salt into a small vial. Add a few drops of oil and take a whiff a few times during the day. The rock salt absorbs the oil, so there’s no chance of spilling.

8. Put fun time in your schedule every week. The old adage, All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, holds true. Also makes Jack totally stressed! Do something that you find fun every week! Go for a hike, get outdoors, have a game night. Whatever you find fun. Your body needs to be recharged at regular intervals to manage the day to day stress that we throw at it.

Hope this gets you started. Next time, I’ll have more. Make it a great day!