Stress Busters

Exercise: 30 minutes per week triggers hormones that relax your body and boost your immune system. Go for a walk or a run. Go with a friend and enjoy the company. Yoga: Many doctors are so sure it relieves stress that they send patients with high blood pressure to classes. Try the following yoga technique whenever you feel the need to relax: inhale deeply through your nose to the count of eight. Then, with lips puckered, exhale very slowly through your mouth to the count of 16, or for as long as you can. Concentrate on the long sighing sound and feel the tension dissolve. Repeat 10 times. Watch Your Diet: Stress elevates blood insulin levels so you'll be hungry. Avoid sweets, which will only raise insulin levels higher and make you hungrier. Eat food high in protein during the day to keep you full-and alert. Fruits and vegetables will help counter stress effects on skin and hair, while dairy products protect bones. Eliminate or restrict the amount of caffeine in your diet. Chill Out: Allot 3 hours on Saturday for chores and homework, then go have fun. Massage, meditation and breathing exercises relieve tension. Take up crossword puzzles or play card games to distract you from stress while stimulating you mentally. Laugh: Laughter is a great medicine for boosting your immune system, reducing stress and the risk of heart disease. It can also help with digestion and sleep. So rent a funny movie. Call someone who makes you chuckle. Sleep: Get enough of it! If necessary, use an alarm clock to remind you to go to bed. 8 hours is a good goal per night. If a nap after school would help energize you, take one. Remember, your body and mind can't function properly when you're sleep deprived. Counseling: If you're having trouble de-stressing, find someone to talk to. Sharing your feelings or worries is often the first step to feeling better. A trained counselor can help you figure out what might work best for you. Don't go through this alone. Check in with the doctor: Your family doctor or nurse practitioner at the Health Center can help a lot with stress. Get a checkup and make sure your body's ship shape. Your medical professional has a lot of ideas about how to reduce stress and eliminate its impact on your body. More Public Health Information