Motivation Monday - Stress: A Modern Epidemic

Let me motivate you to take some steps to reduce stress in your life today. Since Ma wrote 30 little ideas to reduce stress yesterday, I thought this would be a good time to pass on some information that was sent to us last week at school from the nurse about how to help reduce stress and also what to do if someone is having a stress related attack. I've changed the wording a bit to apply to everyone, not just students.

1. Breathe - Close your eyes and take three long slow deep breaths. In through the nose out through the mouth. Breathe from the stomach, not the neck or chest, expand the stomach as much as possible. Use your diaphragm to draw breath down deep into the lungs. Pause between each breath. Think of a positive thought or place and feel the healing breath in and release the stress breath out. You can do this exercise at anytime, anywhere. It will bring you back into focus and it feeds the brain.

2.  Eat - Protein is a great stabilizer. It creates energy without the highs and lows of sugars. Carbs are good for quick energy but not stability. Your body is going to feed itself whether you feed it or not. It will break down muscle tissue, NOT FAT, when you push it. Cars can’t run without gas, bodies can't function without food. Cheese, eggs, protein bars, yogurt, lean meat, and beans are great sources of protein.

3.  Exercise - Energy produces energy, inactivity makes us tired. Take the stairs, stretch, contract your legs, point and flex your feet, rotate your head ... just move! Take a walk, even just a few minutes to get some fresh air. It really helps move oxygen rich blood to the brain.

4. Sleep - It is recommended adults get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, children and teens 10-12 hours. We need time to regenerate. We can’t function at our peak if we are run down. Per numerous scientific studies, 15 minutes of meditation is equal to about an hour nap.

Stress and anxiety can get out of control and cause panic attacks and hyperventilation. If you or someone you know is having a panic attack have them lay on the ground and raise feet. Speak with them calmly and encourage them to slow down their breathing. Try and get them to swallow, it helps break the cycle. Use the breathing technique above (#1), and  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE THEM BREATH INTO A BAG!!! This is very dangerous and can cause further harm. Remove everyone, only one person needs to be with the person having the attack. This helps them focus and not think about who is watching. The sooner we can break the cycle the better. FYI- Hyperventilation is very scary for everyone but it is not life-threatening. If someone who is hyperventilating passes out, as frightening as it may be, it’s ok - this is the body's way of coping.

Wishing you a Motivated and Stress Free Monday!