Stress, Stress, Stress

For quite awhile stress has been a contributor to many health problems such as suppressing the immune system, leading to decreases in energy and sleep and making the cardiovascular system to work harder. Since there are a few reasons that we can not help when it comes to stress, but there are numerous things that we can do to alleviate everyday stress. The American Dietetic Association gave some great advice on bringing balance and wellness back into your life. Here is what they say to do…

_ Trim your “to do” list by dropping or simplifying one or more of your responsibilities. Such as if you are going to a picnic instead of taking a homemade dessert take a cut-up melon.
_ Get a jumpstart on your cooking. Make double batches on the meals you eat and then refrigerate or freeze the rest so you will have an extra meal already made and ready to go. You can also use a slow cooker to give you a head start on a meal while you are sleeping or at work. Another time saver is to make some extra meals on the weekends when you have extra time and then freeze them.
_ Have your family help with the daily household duties and chores. For example if one person does the cooking another person can do the clean up. Keeping the laundry clean, the lawn in shape and the house tidy should include everyone in the household.
_ Lose the clutter. For example clean your kitchen cabinets, drawers and shelves. Go through papers, voice mails, clipped recipes, coupons and e-mails and only deal with them once. Remember if it is “off your desk and counters” - it is “off your mind”.
_ Lastly, Just say “NO”, if someone asks you to do something and you do not have time simply tell them “NO”!