December 24, 2012

Maintain, Don't Gain Week 6-- Stress Less

Below is an abridged article from Week 6 of the Eat Smart, Move More "Maintain, Don't Gain" Holiday Challenge. To access this & prior articles, sign up for the Challenge. There is one week left!

For those participating, keep up the good work... Happy holidays!

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Stress Less
...Stress is a part of life, but it doesn't have to control you. Try these five tips to improve how you handle daily pressures.
* Prioritize. Think about the two or three things that are most important in your day-to-day life. ...In order to keep your cool when things get tough, focus on what matters most....
* Eat well. Good nutrition supports a body and brain that is ready to deal with difficult situations. Prepare healthy snacks to keep at work, in the car and at home, and keep within reach... plan out meals that will be easy and enjoyable for the family...
* Exercise. ...Moderate to vigorous exercise alters your brain chemistry making you better prepared to deal with stress...
* Give yourself time for just you. ...To keep your body relaxed, start each day with gentle stretches and take a long, warm bath at least once a week. Escape for half an hour each day to read a book. A good laugh can relieve tension, soothe stress, and reduce aches and pains...
* Get your Zzzzz. ...Set the stage for a restful night by avoiding caffeine late in the day and dimming the lights an hour before bedtime. ...use an eye mask or blackout curtains and play some soothing music to help you drift off....

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