Naturopath Dr. Michael Murray shares 7 steps to reduce stress in your life and boost your health in his book, Stress, Anxiety and Insomnia: What the Drug Companies Won't Tell You and Your Doctor Doesn't Know. Most of them we know or have heard before but sometimes a reminder to help us refocus helps. So here is a reminder to get you on track if you have begin to slip and seeing stress beginning to affect your health:
- Become an Optimist - focus on the positive things in your life and around you
- Become Aware of Self-Talk - what are you saying to you subconscious, to yourself
- Ask Better Questions - be solutions oriented when asking yourself questions rather than focusing on the negative
- Employ Positive Affirmations- recite them to yourself daily. It can be one that you recite daily or a variety that you read - just keep it consistent. If you use Facebook or Twitter on a daily basis like or follow a page that posts them regularly so you are reading them even without thinking about it
- Set Positive Goals- achieving goals help you feel good about yourself. Remember to keep them realistic and attainable - be specific, these three things will help you be more likely to reach them. You can set big goals but make sure you set some small/short-term goals along the way so you can celebrate the small wins along the way
- Practice Positive Visualizations-imagery is powerful. We know this by what we see everyday on tv and how it shapes society. Visualize yourself successful, healthy - both physically and mentally, and happy
- 7. Laugh Long and Often - Laughter releases endorphins and can be a natural mood changer. Just a smile will start you on your way to feeling better till you get to that laughter. Take a moment to read the comics section in the paper or sometimes things like listening to those around you can give you a good smile or laughter
Pick up a copy of this book for more detail on how to stress-bust your attitude.
Remember it is all in the attitude you CHOOSE. Make sure you take time for yourself, think positive and give self-care. If you feel better, you can do that much more for yourself, family and others.
Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!
