by Svetlana Konnikova

The only way to minimize the negative effects of stress is to manage stress before it manages you. You can devise your own personal methods to gain control over it. It does not have to be difficult to manage stress. Simple guidelines and tips will help you to turn your stress into ”a good exercise for heart and soul,” to recover from distress and rebalance your internal, psychological health. Interpret these concepts in your personal way, add new ones of your own, and minimize the harmful effects of stress on your well-being. 

Practice proper nutrition

Scientists and physicians confirm that eating a balanced diet, low in fat and rich in vitamins, is a powerful defense against the toll that stress can take on you. Make sure you get enough of magnesium, an important mineral that relieves muscle cramping and strengthens blood vessels and the heart. Dizziness, high blood pressure, trembling, and itching of the fingers can be indication of a magnesium deficiency in the body. To ensure that your body has sufficient magnesium, try these simple remedies:

  • Drink a good quality mineral water.
  • Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Grate two-three organic carrots, add a minced onion and olive oil. This salad will give you a daily dose of magnesium.
  • At least twice weekly make a glass of fresh carrot juice and drink it before breakfast. It’s a strong blood purifier. It will help you to cleanse the body of physical and psychological impurities.
  • Mix thyme, sage and linden. Make a hot, herbal tea and drink it.  It will “relieve the soul of tension.”

Create a joyful family time

  • Make a fresh and healthy dinner for your family. Create delicious homemade meals. Keep a pleasant conversation. Let your husband and children enjoy your culinary skills and each other!
  • If you, your husband or your children have problems, disappointments or any requests, talk it out after dinner.
  • Think positively. Love, inspire, amuse, and believe in them. It is mutual. You’ll get the same treatment back.

Use hydrotherapy to combat distress

  • Your bathrooms can be a sensual departure from the day-to-day grind–a heaven of joy where you can experience peace and serenity.
  • A warm shower or bath with organic apple cider vinegar mixed with water will cleanse your skin, open pores and draw out toxins.
  • Soak a linen towel in hot water, wring it out, and rub your body vigorously with it. This soothing self-massage will increase  blood circulation, your skin will have a rosy glow, and you will feel happy.
  • Massage your body with pine extract dissolved with warm water.
  • In the morning massage your body in circular motions with a dry-skin brush or a cotton mitten. A dry massage promotes proper distribution of blood to your internal organs and you will feel energetic.
  • Try to relax or energize after a busy day by bathing with aromatherapy. Aromas are generally divided into two categories: those that stimulate and those that relax. A choice is yours! Make herbal baths,  use aromatic essential oils, bath foams, and candles and induce a feeling of serenity and comfort in your life.
  • The therapeutic potential of classical music has been long recognized. Listen to gentle, relaxing music. You might choose Mozart, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, or Vivaldi. It will calm you down in times of stress and make you feel better about yourself.

Move your body! Exercise!

  • Walk or jog early in the morning. Meet sunrise! Greet and celebrate a new day! It will recharge your “life batteries.”
  • Find a sport or activity that moves you–and move!
  • Dance as often as you have a chance! Dance is a pleasant physical exercise which allows you to express your emotions through movement.

Don’t you know that those who dance a lot, live a lot?! When you feel comfortable in your lives, you win the fight with distress.

Get a pet to fend off distress

  • Having a pet in the house can help you to overcome bad stress. You will reap health benefits from keeping your loyal and responsive four-legged friends near you.

American scientists discovered that people who have dogs live longer, happier lives. After observing patients who had suffered heart attacks, they concluded that owners of dogs recover four times faster than people without dogs. Why?

  • Dogs provide you with unconditional love.
  • Every day dogs “walk you” outdoors  in the fresh air.
  • Dogs never argue with you.

Caring for a pet, whether cat or dog, fish, hamster, you name it, is an act of nurturing, that gives as well as receives.

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