One way to manage the stress you feel is to live a healthy life. Physical fitness, a nutritious diet and plenty of rest are three of your best defense mechanisms against stress. They will keep your mind and body healthy, reducing your susceptibility to the negative effects of stress. Even better, the rewards of a healthy life extend beyond effective stress management.

Back to top

Exercise

Regular exercise reduces your reaction to stressful events. And regular exercise improves your overall health, making your body more resistant to the wear and tear of chronic stress.

Exercise can:

• Provide a distraction from the stress in your life
• Help reduce excessive (negative) energy resulting from stress
• Help you stay calm and regulate your emotions
• Make you feel more able to handle challenges

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes of exercise before natural painkillers called endorphins are released in the brain. The effects peak after about 45 minutes. Although aerobic exercise, such as running, has been shown to have the greatest influence on stress levels, any type of exercise can help. Even low-impact exercises, such as yoga and meditation, are great ways to combat stress.

It is important, however, that you exercise consistently. You must engage in exercise on a regular basis for it to be effective against stress: at least 30 minutes, five days a week.

Many people, when stressed, cut back on their exercise because they feel as if they have no energy. But there is no better natural stress reliever. So do whatever you can to incorporate regular exercise into your life.

Back to top

A Healthy Diet

A well-balanced, nutritious diet is a great way to stay motivated. Although you may want to reach for comfort food at times of stress, you're better off reaching for something nutritious. Consider it good medicine. Choosing healthy foods is a positive step and can reduce the stress that you feel.

Back to top

The Importance Of Rest

One symptom of stress is difficulty sleeping. Fatigue leaves you more susceptible to suffering the health effects of stress.

Do your best to overcome this by creating a comfortable sleep environment and allocating enough time for sleep. A good night of sleep gives you more energy for warding off the negative effects of stress.

Back to top