While we might not be aware of them, there are many stress factors in our daily life: pollution, noise, crowds, lack of fresh air and sun, work, school, allergies, lack of sleep, anger and negative thinking.
Stress response triggers adrenal to secrete several hormones. Cortisol, produced by the adrenals, controls your blood sugar and energy levels in your body. When your adrenal glands are fatigued to chronic stress, cortisol drops and can’t perform its duties. Chronic stress causes your blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance and increasing your risk of developing diabetes, weight gain and syndrome X.
8 tips to reduce stress
- Breathe deeply. Several times per day, breathe in through your nose and fill your lungs until your abdomen rises. Then slowly exhale from your mouth. Repeat five times.
- Sleep tight: get your eight hours f sleep every night.
- Eat plenty of vegetables everyday.
- Smile, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Believe in yourself. Stop devastating negative self-talk.
- Notice beauty that surrounds you. Smell the flowers, watch the sunset and listen to the wind.
- Be good to yourself. Take some time to do things that makes you feel good; take a warm bath, go to the spa, get a good massage etc.
- Get help from aromatherapy. Essential oils of lavender, ylan-ylang, orange or tangerine can help you to unwind and relieve tensions.
What do you do to reduce your stress levels?