Saturday, October 18, 2008

stress management

How to Use Food for Stress Management

Stress management doesn't have to come in the form of
medication. In fact, in some job of managing stress cases,
food does a much better than any drug. This article will
show you the best foods to eat for stress management


Step1Drink a glass of Skim milk each day. It is terrific for stress management. Milk contains tryptophan which helps make serotonin in your body. Serotonin helps stabilize your moods, which can lower stress levels.

Step2Eat fish with Omega 3 fatty acids. In fact, omega 3 has been shown to improve stress and anxiety the same or better than Prozac. Sardines, salmon, and tuna are all high in omega

Step3Fix some whole wheat toast for breakfast. This contains the anti-stress vitamin:B complex. Not only does whole wheat help with stress management, it can also regulate your digestive system.

Step4Eat 2 ounces of Dark chocolate. Chocolate contains magnesium which acts as a natural relaxer to the brain.

Step5Skip that morning cup of coffee. Although caffeine is the first thing many people seek, it is not good for stress management.

TIPS
It is believed that a stress management diet should severely limit animal protein. Although protein is good, for stress, the protein should come from plants. Don't drink alcohol when you are feeling stressed. Alcohol is horrible for stress management because it can negatively affect your sleeping patterns. A lack of sleep creates stress.

How to Use Laughter for Stress Management

According to research, laughter has serious therapeutic benefits. Among others, it can help people handle the stresses in their lives with less negative impact. So go ahead and laugh! If you can't think of anything funny, here are some ideas to get the chuckles flowing


Step1Visualize an irritating situation getting out of control to an absurd degree. Exaggerate what's happening until you can't help but see the humor in taking it so seriously.


Step2Think up ridiculous solutions to your dilemma. Use your imagination to the max. Writing these solutions down will help you distance yourself from the problem and give you something funny to read next time you have a similar issue.


Step3State your frustrations out loud while doing something silly. This helps defuse stress. Try hopping on one foot. Cross your eyes. Wiggle your ears or your eyebrows.


Step4Play like a child to counteract stress. Blow bubbles. Build a sand castle. Fingerpaint. Yo-yo. Make up a silly song about someone who made you mad. Have a food fight or a pillow fight. Slip-n-slide. Wear two different socks and be proud of it.


Step5Make a list of silly and fun ideas for the next time you need them.


Step6Fake it until it's real. Say ha ha ha ha ha, blowing out your breath with every ha. This kind of breathing increases oxygen flow for stress relief. So even if you're not laughing raucously, you're still doing yourself some good.


Step7Get outside help. Play with children or small animals. Watch funny movies. Exchange jokes with a friend.


Step8Try to cheer up somebody else. The rebound effect is amazing!