Do you mange stress well? Part of any healthy lifestyle is mental well-being. Eating well and moving are excellent for your physical health and can also play a part in increasing mental health. If stress is keeping you from feeling your emotional and physical best, know that you can learn to manage and reduce it. Here are 3 ways to get started.

3 Steps to Manage Stress

1. Prepare. We all have stress and it is impossible to completely eliminate it. However, having a plan for managing your stress is crucial. Think about ways you can actively reduce what stresses you. If mornings are stressful, try waking up 5-10 minutes early to give yourself more time. If your commute stresses you out, find a podcast you enjoy or a good book to help you pass the time. Look for small ways to make stressful activities less stressful.
2. Think Positive. We all talk to ourselves, and self-talk can be positive or negative. Negative self-talk can increase stress, so why not try some positive self-talk? The next time you encounter negative self-talk, try shifting to positive talk. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this”, try “I’ll do the best I can”. Notice how you feel as you start to change the way you talk to yourself.
3. Increase Enjoyment. Make sure your week includes activities you actively enjoy. Plan to take a yoga class over the weekend, giving yourself something to look forward to all week. Spend 10 minutes with your favorite book or listening to music. A quick walk around the block can have an excellent effect on your mindset. You might consider making a list of things to do that you enjoy. When you have a particularly stressful day, pull out your list and do one activity on it.

At KareBoost Health, we believe in working with you as a whole person. Set up a free consultation to see how we can help you manage stress and be a healthier you or come in for yoga to reduce stress!

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health