Health Tip of the Day - Stress Reduction

Stress has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, accelerated aging and type 2 Diabetes.

Many people cope with stress by binging on junk food or harboring other addictive habits. Remember, the cause of a habit is repetition. To break a bad habit, substitute something more fruitful.

To decrease the effects of stress:

☻ Make sure you get enough sleep. Get to bed early enough that you can wake without an alarm clock. You won’t miss much going to bed earlier.
☻ Drink plenty of water. Dehydration may show up as a headache, tiredness, lightheadedness, nausea or anxiety. Caffeinated beverages only increase stress.
☻ Lower your fat intake. Reduce especially trans fats and saturated fats. Instead, eat foods rich in essential fatty acids. Eat a handful of raw, soaked nuts instead of a donut....
☻ Increase your consumption of antioxidant rich fruits and veggies. Grab some baby carrots instead of chips....
☻ Surround yourself with supportive people. Choose friends who are upbeat, rather than those who drag you down.
☻ Exercise regularly. Take a walk in the evening instead of playing couch potato.