STRESSED OUT?

Does this picture look like you?  This is not a snack that I'd recommend.  We all get stressed. Nobody goes through life stress-free.  Sometimes stress is good.  It can lead to a sense of urgency and can motivate people to get things done and accomplish goals they otherwise wouldn't have dreamed of accomplishing.  Usually it's not a good thing.  Stress can, over time, do some damage to the physical state of the body.  It can cause an increased risk of heart disease, contribute towards weight gain, lead to depression, and insomnia. Everyone must deal with their stress, and some people do better with this than others.  Some people will try to drink their stresses away, some will misplace that energy and snap at a friend, coworker, or loved one.  Some look to food for comfort.  These would be examples of unhealthy ways to deal with stress.

Thailand, did you know it was so pretty?

One of the best proven ways to deal with stress is taking a vacation.  If you have the time and money to get away from it all for a week or so and head off to Thailand to go take in the beauty and watch a local kickboxing match, chances are you're going to be feeling much better and relaxed at least for a while.  Another great stress relief is....... bubble wrap.  Sounds kind of silly, but its been proven to be one of the best stress relieving activities on earth.  So find some bubble wrap, or order something fragile and when it arrives grab the wrap and start popping those bubbles. Smarter people than me say you'll start feeling better pretty quickly.

Also just adding some calming influences in your life can help. Start getting massages, redecorate your bedroom or workspace to have a soothing vibe instead of chaotic clutter. All of these can help a lot when dealing with stress.

Of course I'm leading you down a path to exercise.  Exercise will help release that stressful and anxious energy built up by stress. You'll feel better and possibly even think a bit more clearly.  (Studies show intense exercise increases blood flow to the brain, stimulating creative and analytical thinking.)  You will also get a nice endorphin release, which triggers happy good feelings, as well as a bit of a natural pain killing affect.

Just another reason to get your ass to the gym or outside for some exercise.  In fact, why don't you stand up right now and do 10 push ups or burpees? You might feel a little goofy but you'll feel better afterwords.  Trust me, science says so..... So go find some serenity!