Combat stress in 2009!

“It has been estimated that 75 - 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems,” according to the American Institute of Stress. We all suffer from stress at one point or another and some of us handle it better then others. But managing your day to day stress can make a huge improvement on your professional and personal life. Needless to say managing your stress can also help improve your overall health.

“Stress compromises your ability to fight off disease and infection,” Ronald L. Stram, M.D., founder of Center for Integrated Health and Healing. “It can even rewire the brain, making you more vulnerable to everyday pressures and problems such as depression, anxiety and sleeplessness, so it’s important to learn effective and appropriate ways manage it.”

Managing stress comes in many different forms from breathing exercises to calming bath soaks to prescript medication, and although it may seem impossible to avoid stressful situations this season take away these useful tips designed to help you stay calm during the new year:

WHEN YOU ARE IN A STRESSFUL SITUATION:

• Carry instant natural stress relievers.

Nelsons Rescue Remedy® has been used for over 70 years around the world to provide an all-natural, gentle and effective approach for dealing with the short-term aspects of stress. A recently published scientific study conducted by researchers found that Rescue Remedy® is an effective over-the-counter stress reliever without any of the known adverse side effects, including addiction.

• Breathe.

Dr. Ronald Stram recommends the 4-7-8 breathing technique: Begin by slowly breathing in through your nose through the count of 4. Hold the breath for a count of 7. Slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of 8. When you exhale, try to make a soft “whoosh” sound by holding the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth as you exhale slowly.

• Find calming activities.

Create a “happy playlist” on your iPod or MP3 player – choose songs that are sure to put a smile on your face.

• Have a lifeline on speed dial.

Call a friend or family member that will quickly lift your mood and ease your anxiety.

“Holistic approaches to health and stress management have become more accepted and trusted among Americans,” Dr. Stram says. “I often recommend Rescue Remedy to my patients as a safe, natural, non-narcotic solution to combat their stress levels. Rescue Remedy works to calm a racing mind, and help users sleep easier. It’s a safe, effective, and practical way to balance emotions and restore energy.”