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Seriously,
Sideline Stress
Stress is a small word that means big trouble, which is
why your Spa Editor
is writing about it and our Spa
Diva absolutely abhors it - wrinkles dahling.
Stress is a normal part of life and we wouldn't accomplish
very much without it. However, the big no-no is chronic
stress. This is something that we humans were not
created for and cannot withstand without some ugly side
effects. |
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Did someone say wrinkles? The natural chemicals that serve
us well when we are in a fix become toxic when they remain
in the body over time. Here are a few examples:
| Circulation: |
Adrenalin
released from stress constricts the arteries, increasing
blood pressure and laying the foundations for heart
disease later |
| Memory: |
Stress
hormones sharpen the memory in the short term, but
harm it in the long term |
| Depression: |
Stress chemicals alter the brain chemistry and make
you more vulnerable to depression |
| Immunity: |
Raised
levels of adrenalin and cortisol in the long-term
can block white blood cells from doing their job.
White blood cells fight infection, but only if you
take care of them, and your chances of catching
a cold increase with chronic stress. Hence the logic
of "burning the candle at both ends" |
| Diabetes: |
Chronically
elevated levels of cortisol increase fat storage,
which causes resistance to insulin, which in turn
increases your diabetes risk |
Are you at risk from chronic stress? Small changes can
make significant improvements.
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Discriminate
All worries are not created equal. Separate your mental
list of anxieties into two groups, one for those within
your control to change, and those that you can do nothing
about. Then mentally delete the group of things that you
have no power to change and focus on those that you can
act on.
Compartmentalize
There is a time and a place for everything, even your
worries. Decide what are you going to tackle now, at this
very minute, and leave the rest for later. You cannot
prepare dinner while sitting on the bus, so let it go
for the moment. Keep a physical list so that you don't
forget anything. This will also help to keep you from
replaying your worry list in your head.
Exercise
Yes, it is boring and you have heard this before. Stress
can compound your anxieties which make you even more stressed.
Exercise breaks the chicken and egg cycle by actually
reducing the levels of stress chemicals in the body. Is
there absolutely no time to exercise? Then take the stairs
instead of the escalator. Get off one bus stop earlier
and walk. If all else fails, lock yourself in the toilet
three times a day and stretch for 5 minutes. Anything
is better than nothing.
Turn inwards
Find the time, at least once a day, to close your eyes
and concentrate on what you hear, feel, smell and taste.
If you can't possibly find a moment to grab some privacy
or time to yourself, then get thee to the toilet (see
above), sit down and close your eyes for 5 minutes. It
doesn't matter if it's for a very short time - do it more
often rather than for longer.
A problem shared
…is a problem halved. Tell someone about your burdens,
be it a friend, mentor, spiritual leader or your diary.
Write a letter to yourself or to your journal to communicate
how you feel. This will also help to sort through your
thoughts and feelings and to see the problem from a higher
perspective.
Control your thinking
There are few things as disappointing as failed expectations.
How bitter to realize that your loved ones and career
are not perfect and will never meet your expectations.
There is only one way to avoid failed expectations - keep
them few, keep them simple. Learn the difference between
expectations and aspirations. Your expectations should
be bottom line. If these are not met then you have no
business with each other. Your aspirations test the possibilities
and allow your dreams to soar. For example, you expect
that your partner will be decent and honest, but you aspire
to have a romantic who can read your mind and sweep you
off your feet.
Relax!
Life is not an emergency. Angst kills your sense of humor
and it has been proven that laughter is as good as exercise
for eliminating the stress chemicals from your body. And
it does wonders for the spirit.
And last but not least, an Angsana Spa treatment can work
wonders for even the most confirmed stresspot so don't
feel guilty and don't delay - book
your treatment today!
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