Healthy Ways to Combat Stress

Healthy Living, Relaxation and How to Combat Stress

Tips on How to Live More Healthily

What are the factors in life might affect your health, your exercise habits and what you eat? How can you combat stress?

Stress is a part of everyday life and yet, when you feel under some strain, there's a greater tendency to eat. People who are sensitive in nature might turn to food almost unconsciously when things get tough. Even so, comfort eating is not recommended as a way of coping with stress.

A small amount of stress can actually be good for you. It produces competition, ambition, extra energy and a heightened awareness. However, too much stress can be harmful leading to all sorts of possible conditions such as high blood pressure, headaches and indigestion.

If your lifestyle is such that your adrenalin output is constantly high then you need to be especially careful about keeping fit. Be sure that you follow a regular exercise routine.

Stress also has a lot to do with basic characteristics and feelings of self-confidence and life-satisfaction. Sometimes, finding ways to increase your confidence and feel good about yourself helps to reduce stress levels. Boosting your self-image can make you feel good and more in control of your life.

Regular exercise is one of the main things to consider if you want to get fit and healthy. Routine exercise will increase your metabolic rate which does sometimes fall while you're dieting. It also helps you feel calm and relaxed. Relaxation is another essential ingredient to a healthy lifestyle.

And there's so much to choose from when considering what kind of exercise you might do: Aerobics, squash, badminton, jogging or cycling. And if none of these appeal, then there's always walking or swimming.

Swimming is pleasurable and can help reduce stress. The main thing is that you choose to do something you enjoy rather than forcing yourself into activities that just 'aren't for you'.

Comfort eating isn't good for your health but there are personality-types that will turn to food when they feel anxious, low or depressed. If you do find yourself heading to the fridge when you're under stress, at least go for healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables, yogurt or rice cakes.

Relaxation is one of the key ways to help minimise stress. Different personalities will choose different forms of relaxation. Some people will find meditation helps. Others can actually find themselves falling into a relaxed state while exercising. Spending time in the company of good friends or favourite relatives, walking in the park, being out in the countryside or by the sea can all help relax you.

Many factors in life affect your health including your environment, the food that you eat and your exercise habits. Find ways to combat stress that best suit you and you will feel more content and healthy.

© Carole Anne