http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/ Health related message boards offering discussions of numerous health topics including allergies, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, exercise, attention deficit disorder, diet, and nutrition. en Fri, 24 May 2013 12:19:18 GMT vBulletin 1 http://www.healthboards.com/boards/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/ http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3319-yoga-could-your-exercise-innercise-solution.html Tue, 14 May 2013 17:12:00 GMT Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India 5,000 years ago. The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, an ancient language of India.

Yoga is different from traditional exercise in that it is also "innercise." Yoga is good for your body, but also can improve things for your inner self by relaxing you and reducing stress and anxiety. Exercise requires working your body until your muscles are tired and exhaustion sets in. Innercise uses breathing and relaxing positions, or poses, to help your mind relax and your body restore energy while it builds strength. The word for a yoga pose or posture is "asana," and it actually means "comfortably held pose."

There are many different types or styles of yoga. The five most popular types of yoga are Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Bikram. Some types are for strength and motion; some are purely for relaxation; some rely more on specific breathing techniques; and others focus on meditation. Explore the different types of yoga to find the one that is the best match for you and your needs.

The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga offers many benefits for everyone, though the benefits will vary depending on which type of yoga you practice. Some of the benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Greater self-esteem and self-confidence
• Improved range of motion
• Better mental concentration
• Increased strength
• Immune system stimulation
• Pain control
• Improved circulation
• Mental clarity and calmness
• Higher energy
• Increased flexibility
• Improved posture
• Aids learning and memory

How Yoga Works

Yoga poses, or asanas, stretch your muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue. the underlying cause of muscle stiffness, tension, pain and fatigue is primarily lactic acid. Asanas help release the built-up lactic acid in your muscles, allowing for greater flexibility and joint lubrication. For most people, a 35 percent overall improvement in flexibility is experienced after eight weeks of consistent yoga participation.

How Yoga Helps

Yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety and can improve the symptoms associated with a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Asthma
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• Back pain

Virtually everyone can benefit from practicing some type of yoga -- either for exercise, innercise, or both. ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3319-yoga-could-your-exercise-innercise-solution.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3318-reducing-stress-dont-let-stress-ruin-your-health.html Tue, 14 May 2013 16:31:23 GMT reduce your stress for the sake of your...]]> You must reduce your stress for the sake of your health. It is time to learn to effectively manage your stress so that you can take charge of your life. Your schedule, environment, emotions, thoughts and your approach to problems all influence your stress level.

Are you wondering how to figure out what causes you the most stress? Start by keeping a stress journal to help you identify exactly where the stress triggers are in your life. Do you get agitated by noise or chaos, or is it something else that gets you biting your nails? By keeping a stress journal, you can identify where and when you begin to feel stressed or anxious, and then you can devise a plan to make adjustments in your life to eliminate or counteract those stress triggers.

Are you finding it difficult to pinpoint exactly what your stress triggers are? Don't stress! You can try adopting one or two of these five healthy habits to give yourself some relief until you figure it out.

1. Get Regular Exercise

You don't have to be a fitness junkie to enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of exercise. Even if you work out for only 30 minutes, three times a week, you can raise your endorphins and release some anxiety.

2. Use Simple Acupressure

You don't have to spend any time or money on getting professional acupressure. You can do this on your own. According to acupressure experts, if you press the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger of each hand and apply moderate to strong pressure, you can help yourself relieve stress in just a couple of minutes.

3. Improve Your Diet

Eliminate junk foods and try to eat a healthy diet. Good nutrition helps you to be better prepared for stressful situations. Try these tips to improve your diet:

• Eat breakfast everyday, as well as two more nutritious meals and two snacks during the day
• Reduce your caffeine intake (consume less coffee, soda and chocolate)
  
• Trade your cup of coffee for a cup of black tea
• Reduce your sugar intake, it creates highs and lows that can lead to stress
  
• Stop trying to reduce your stress with alcohol, cigarettes and drugs - these only provide temporary relief and create a cycle of addiction

4. Sleep More

Get enough sleep to keep your mind energized. Being over-tired only adds to stress. Try to stop watching television or using electronics at least one hour before bedtime to help your mind settle down for a good night's sleep.

5. Manage Your Time

Make time for activities that help you relax. Be sure to do something that you really enjoy every day. Do you love being outside? Plan to take a walk outside with a friend or enjoy a cup of tea out in your yard or patio. If you live in an apartment, grab a cup of tea to go and take a stroll in the park. Plan ahead so you can spend more time with friends.



Make your life less chaotic or anxiety-provoking by avoiding stressful situations. A good basic rule of thumb is that if you can't alter a stressful situation, you can try to change your reaction to it, thereby, reducing your personal stress level.

Try to let go of things or relationships in your life that cause you stress. Make a choice to move on. A single change or a combination of changes or approaches can work to alleviate stress in your life. Some approaches may work better for you than others. Everyone is different, so try some of the different tips provided and see what works most effectively to reduce stress for you. ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3318-reducing-stress-dont-let-stress-ruin-your-health.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3307-autism-symptoms-boys-vs-girls.html Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:26:16 GMT April is Autism Awareness Month, so we are taking this opportunity to provide information about this challenging disorder. In recent years, Jenny McCarthy and other celebrities have brought autism into the mainstream media and advocated for more research studies that examine possible causes of the disorder. There is also increasing attention being paid to changes in treatment approaches for children who have been diagnosed with autism.

You may be wondering: What is autism and how do you recognize the signs that someone may have it?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition caused by genetic factors. Symptoms can be present during infancy, but ASD often is not recognized or diagnosed in children until around age three or later. The symptoms or signs that can indicate ASD include:

• Difficulty with social communication (i.e. speech delays or trouble listening to instructions)
  
• Heightened participation in repetitive, sensory behaviors

Is it possible that we are getting better at recognizing the signs of autism spectrum disorder? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there has been a 78 percent increase in diagnosed cases of autism over the last decade. In fact, current statistics reveal that one in every 110 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with ASD. Studies also show that girls and boys differ in relation to ASD:

• Autism is five times more common in boys than girls
  
• Girls with ASD display greater learning disabilities and more problems with academics than boys
• Extreme shyness or anxiety in girls can be an indicator of ASD
  
• Girls don’t always engage in the rocking and spinning behaviors that are associated with autism
  
• Boys tend to engage in the typical rocking and spinning associated with autism
  
• Girls often focus their attention on games or activities that follow "typical girl" themes like ponies and princesses, and this can mask ASD symptoms
  
• Boys with ASD tend to engage in repetitive behaviors, such as lining up blocks and running their fingers through sand
  
• Boys with ASD might be bullied by other children, while girls with ASD are able to "blend in" with their peers

Since there are differences in ASD symptoms between boys and girls, many experts will apply different approaches to making a diagnosis. It can be very challenging to diagnose girls with autism, because they have better social skills than even high-functioning boys with autism. Girls with ASD generally display extreme shyness, but it can be difficult to determine if a girl is simply shy or if she is not picking up on social cues from those around her.

Regardless of gender, the earlier in life that a child is diagnosed with ASD, the more effective the treatment results in the long term. Treatment plans for ASD are based on each child's specific needs, not gender.

Updated information about autism is now available from the CDC.

Content provided by the Healthboards Editorial Staff ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3307-autism-symptoms-boys-vs-girls.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3304-heart-attack-can-happen-young-people.html Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:36:46 GMT Image: http://image.health.ibemail.com/lib/fe8e15707d67027a7d/m/1/heartattackHB.jpg Do young people have heart attacks? Are women at higher risk? Every year in the United States, more than 1,000 people between the ages of 35 and 44 experience... Do young people have heart attacks? Are women at higher risk? Every year in the United States, more than 1,000 people between the ages of 35 and 44 experience coronary artery disease. Studies show that men have more heart attacks than women, even under age 50. However, women are more apt to die after suffering a heart attack.

One of the reasons women may be more likely to die after a heart attack is because symptoms of a heart attack in women may not be as obvious as they are in men. While a man may experience acute heartburn, chest pain or pain radiating down the left arm, a woman's symptoms can be much milder. A woman may feel fatigue, shortness of breath or lightheadedness and indigestion - symptoms that could easily be attributed to other causes, such as anxiety.

Because their symptoms don't obviously indicate a heart attack, women often delay seeking medical care - especially younger women. When they do seek medical care, these women can be misdiagnosed due to their gender, age and misleading symptoms.

You may have read in the news that Rosie O'Donnell suffered a heart attack at age 50. Like many women, she didn't take immediate action because she wasn't sure which signs to look for. Even after she read about heart attack symptoms online, she figured they didn't apply to her because she was so young. Rosie later learned she had suffered a heart attack. Because of her experience, Rosie has become very vocal on the topic of women and heart disease in an effort to raise awareness.

If you are under 40, age is on your side, but it is still important to know which symptoms to look for and seek timely treatment. You can lower your risk for heart disease by living a healthy lifestyle and raising your awareness of heart disease and heart health.

Here are some heart health facts to consider:

Know Your Genetics

High cholesterol, mitral valve prolapse and some cardiac arrhythmias can be inherited. These issues can be diagnosed on routine physical examinations, so if these conditions run in your family, you might want to make sure these tests are included in any testing you get at your next doctor visit.

Lower Your Cholesterol

Know your cholesterol numbers and keep them at a healthy level. High cholesterol is a primary cause of heart disease, so try to keep yours under 200 mg/dL. Ideally, you should aim to keep your good cholesterol (HDL) high, over 60 mg/dL, and the bad cholesterol (LDL) low, under 100 mg/d/L.

Manage Diabetes

Diabetes increases triglycerides, lipids or fat in your blood. If you have diabetes, be conscious of your baseline blood sugar level and your triglycerides. If you are at risk for diabetes, get tested regularly to try and catch the disease early so you can adjust your diet and begin early treatment.

Myocarditis: Know the Facts

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle caused by a viral infection. It can cause sudden death in otherwise healthy athletes, such as marathon runners. It can affect even younger athletes. A rapid heart rate is often the presenting symptom.

Get Your Exercise

Exercise regularly to keep your metabolism working efficiently and burning fat. This will lessen the workload on your heart.

Watch Your Diet

Eating fried food and too many fast food meals will raise your cholesterol and, in turn, clog your coronary arteries. Aim to consume a healthier daily diet by eating home-cooked meals more often and broiling or grilling food rather than frying it. And, save those fast-food meals for rare occasions rather than a daily staple.

Beware of Drugs

Cocaine is a common cause of heart attacks for people between the ages of 18 and 45. Regular use of cocaine and other drugs can raise blood pressure and the heart rate, causing cardiac arrhythmias. These cardiac arrhythmias can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Heart Attack Symptoms to Look For:

• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Nausea, indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Fatigue

Someone suffering a heart attack will typically experience more than one of these symptoms simultaneously. Should you experience any combination of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Keep in mind that these symptoms may lead to a mistaken diagnosis of an anxiety attack or other problem. If you suspect a heart attack, ask to be tested for one. Be smart, speak up, take care of yourself, and remember that you are not invincible, regardless of your age.

This content is provided to the community by the Healthboards Editorial Staff ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3304-heart-attack-can-happen-young-people.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3294-improve-your-mood-swings-exercise.html Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:59:45 GMT anxiety and If you experience mood swings, you are not alone. Hormonal changes, anxiety and stress can trigger mood swings for many people. Radical or severe mood swings may require a consult with your doctor to determine if there is an underlying condition that can be improved with medical treatment, like anti-depressants. For most of us, though, mood swings and stress can often be managed with exercise.

The brain chemicals that are released during and after exercise can reduce stress and boost your mood almost instantly. If you are experiencing frequent mood changes, consider starting a moderate exercise program, or intensifying the program you are currently following.

Adding a few exercise sessions like walking, jogging or cycling into your weekly routine can make a huge difference in your overall outlook. Consider signing up for a membership at your local gym and start working out regularly. If you do, you'll likely notice a change in your mood and your overall health within a couple of weeks. (Your sleep patterns may improve, too!)

Endorphins

One reason why exercise is such a great mood booster is because it facilitates the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins have the ability to improve your mood instantaneously. By exercising and releasing endorphins consistently, your body will be able to produce effects that some have described as a natural version of the mood boost provided by euphoric drugs. So, hit the treadmill and feel that euphoric endorphin rush!

Higher Levels of Serotonin

In addition to releasing endorphins, exercising can trigger the release of more serotonin in your brain. Serotonin has been shown to reduce depression and help to regulate your mood. Creating an exercise routine and sticking with it will aid in the production of serotonin in your brain.

Stress Reduction

Are you feeling stressed out by heavy deadlines at work, your relationships, or other issues in your life? The best remedy is to head outside for a workout in the fresh air or take a trip to the gym.

Many studies have shown that exercise can significantly reduce stress levels. Stress can trigger mood swings. So, instead of brewing over everything that is causing you stress, which can lead to more frequent or dramatic mood swings, consider committing yourself to a structured exercise routine. Your exercise routine will provide you with an outlet in which to channel your negative thoughts and energy.

You may find that an intense workout will “burn off” some of your worries and negative thoughts. Exercise has a calming effect that lasts for several hours after a workout. In addition to helping you release some of your anxieties, your workout provides that added release of endorphins and serotonin that will help to lift your mood. The outcome of increased exercise is that you will not only be fitter, you will be better equipped mentally and emotionally to handle the challenges and related stressors that come your way.

Content provided by the Healthboards Editorial Staff. ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3294-improve-your-mood-swings-exercise.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3278-health-tax-shelter-basics.html Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:21:05 GMT It is tax time! As you gather together your tax-related paperwork, you will want to make sure to include any receipts or statements related to your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), if you have one. Your company may offer these types of savings accounts as a benefit. Did you sign up for an HSA or FSA in 2012? Don't forget to take advantage of it!

Just in case you're not quite sure how these special savings accounts work, we're providing the Healthboards community with some links that will help explain how you can take advantage of HSA and FSA accounts to save money. Follow any of the links we've provided, or visit Healthboard's sister site, FinWeb, to get more information about health-related accounts and how they can help you cut costs at tax time - this year or next:

What is a Flexible Spending Account?

Health Insurance Coverage Details and Flexible Spending Accounts

What is a Medical Expense FSA?

Reducing Taxes: Flexible Spending Account vs. Dependent-Care Credit

Do you know the top 10 reasons to get an HSA?

You can also ask questions about HSAs and FSAs in the Health Insurance Issues Message Board right here on Healthboards.

Content provided by the Healthboards Editorial Staff. ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3278-health-tax-shelter-basics.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3266-don-t-want-get-sick-10-steps-avoid-illness.html Fri, 08 Feb 2013 22:33:54 GMT In the winter months, you may be trying to avoid illness during the cold and flu season. Unfortunately, spending more time inside during cold weather increases our exposure to germs and person-to-person transmission of illnesses. This makes it more difficult to stay healthy.

To help you dodge the dreaded flu, or even the common cold, it is vital that you keep your immune system functioning at optimum level. There are many factors that can weaken your body's natural defense or immunity to germs. Luckily, there are things you can do to boost your immunity, and also to limit your exposure to contagions. Taking measures to prevent illness is never a 100% guarantee, but you can maximize your chances for keeping yourself healthy this winter by taking the following steps:

Take These Steps to Stay Healthy

Step 1: First and foremost, do your best to avoid being around sick people (reschedule meetings or lunch dates until after they’ve had symptoms for 5-7 days or so, if possible)

Step 2: Get the flu shot! Getting it early in the season is best because it takes 2-3 weeks for your body to build the antibodies against the strain of inactive flu virus that is delivered via the vaccine. However, getting the flu shot any time in the season is helpful.

Step 3: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Scrub your hands vigorously for a full 20 seconds is the best way. Both the soap and friction will wash away the germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be as effective as hand washing if you are on-the-go or in a hurry. Be sure to choose a reputable brand of sanitizer – one that is says it will kill 99.9% of germs on contact.

Step 4: Get enough sleep, at least 6-8 hours per night.

Step 5: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. If you aren’t always able to eat balanced, home-cooked meals, taking multi-vitamin supplements are a good way to support your nutrition and, therefore, your immunity.

Step 6: Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.

Step 7: Get moderate exercise at least three times per week. If the flu is going around at your gym, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face (and transferring germs you’ve come into contact with on shared gym equipment.) Better yet, opt for walking!

Step 8: Keep stress levels under control. It is always a good practice to take a deep breath and think things through before you react. Consider taking a yoga or Tai Chi class if you need help reducing your stress levels.

Step 9: Sneeze or cough into the crook of your bent elbow in order to keep germs off of your hands or spreading through the air. Politely remind others around you to do the same.

Step 10: Disinfect contaminated surfaces, especially in the common areas, kitchen and bathroom. Try using a disinfecting wipe that includes bleach for a quick and easy way to eliminate germs.

Being proactive about your preventive health can take a little extra caution and awareness but will go a long way to helping you avoid getting sick this winter.

Content is provided to the community by the Healthboards Editorial Staff ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3266-don-t-want-get-sick-10-steps-avoid-illness.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3265-dental-habits-everyone-needs-break.html Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:12:34 GMT Image: http://image.health.ibemail.com/lib/fe9a1570716c037d74/m/1/DentalDB.jpg?nocache=178 Do you have good or bad dental habits? We all know that we should brush and floss our teeth at least two times a day, if not more. This is important for good... Do you have good or bad dental habits? We all know that we should brush and floss our teeth at least two times a day, if not more. This is important for good oral hygiene – healthy teeth and gums – and also important for our general health. Did you know that the health of your mouth and teeth connects to the health of other systems in your body as well, such as your immune system and your heart? We may know this, but even so, we are sometimes guilty of these three bad dental habits that we need to break:

Bad Habit #1: Brushing Irregularly or Quickly

When we are in a hurry or too tired to bother, we can be tempted to give our teeth a cursory brush--mainly to clear away obvious food particles and get fresher breath. Be careful not to fall into this habit too often! If you brush your teeth inconsistently or rapidly, plaque and tartar are more likely to build up on and in between your teeth. This makes it more difficult to clean your teeth thoroughly even those times when you do brush well. This can lead to gingivitis, cavities or other oral health problems.

Bad Habit #2: Brushing Too Vigorously

Many of us think if we brush harder – really scrub our teeth – they will be cleaner, but this is not true. Rigorous brushing can actually weaken tooth enamel and cause the gums to recede. If it is shiny white teeth you are after, try to kick this habit. Vigorous scrubbing can also create small lacerations in your mouth, which can lead to infection or painful sores. It is best to use a dentist-recommended brand of toothbrush with soft- or medium-strength bristles. Do your teeth a favor and try to avoid any firm-bristled toothbrushes, except under the advice of your dentist.

Bad Habit #3: Forgetting to Floss

Perhaps because it is an extra step, flossing after brushing is often skipped or forgotten. However, flossing is essential for cleaning out the plaque that builds up between your teeth. Many people don’t realize that flossing is more effective than brushing for cleaning out pieces of food and other detritus that get stuck in those crevices, thereby preventing them from hardening and collecting. If you are regularly skipping this step and leaving those food particles stuck in your gum line, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to periodontitis and other issues. Try to Floss regularly, and it will help improve and maintain the overall health of your gums.

Content provided to the community by the Healthboards Editorial Staff ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3265-dental-habits-everyone-needs-break.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3238-want-increase-your-metabolism.html Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:09:40 GMT Are you one of those people that gains weight with even the smallest indulgence? The speed of your metabolism has a lot to do with weight gain. A sluggish metabolism allows you to eat only a limited number of calories, and you can easily gain weight if you eat more. People who seem to be able to eat without limiting their calorie intake probably have a higher metabolism. The good news – you can stimulate your metabolism with these easy tips:

TIP #1: Rev up Your Metabolism by Exercising More

When you exercise on a regular basis, you not only burn more calories, you boost your metabolism. Cardio workouts are your best choice for increasing the rate of your metabolism. Here is a bonus tip: Once you start exercising regularly, your metabolism will burn at a faster rate even while you are at rest. However, it’s important to mix it up by varying your exercise routine to challenge your body in different ways. If you do the same old exercises every day, your body can fall into the exercise routine trap and level off at fitness plateaus. For this reason, it is important to get your heart pumping in new ways.

TIP #2: Eat Smaller Amounts More Often

Avoid eating three large meals per day. Instead, you should try to eat 4-5 smaller meals throughout the day. You might think of this as eating two small meals and and 2-3 snacks. It may seem counter-intuitive that eating more often will speed up your metabolism, but it works! Your metabolism revs up in response to receiving small amounts of "fuel" several times a day. This incremental increase in the energy burned while your body digests smaller amounts of food helps to burn calories, which helps you lose weight.

TIP #3: Change What You Eat

Certain foods help increase your metabolism. Proteins, for example, require a lot of energy to metabolize. Refined carbohydrates, on the other hand, are metabolized very quickly as simple sugars and can be turned very efficiently into body fat. Try to avoid eating starchy and sweet carbohydrates. Replace all cookies, cakes, chips, crackers or breads with vegetables and proteins (try carrot sticks and hummus or celery sticks and peanut butter), and you might notice you are losing weight.
When you are grocery shopping, start in the “fresh food” aisles and choose whole foods instead of processed foods. Whole foods require more energy for your body to assimilate than processed foods. Whole fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, will always require more energy to burn than the convenient foods you eat from packages. A

Bonus Tip: Increase your intake of spices, which have a low caloric content, because they are known to enhance your metabolism.

Sample meal the low-carb way: Consider eating grilled fish or chicken with seasoning as your main course and add steamed green vegetables and a crispy salad on the side. Replace rice or potato side dishes with some cut carrot sticks or cherry tomatoes dipped in salad dressing.

Content provided to the Healthboards community by IB Editorial Staff ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3238-want-increase-your-metabolism.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3237-want-relieve-stress.html Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:45:11 GMT stress or...]]> Stress is not always a bad thing. For some people, a little occasional stress or pressure can motivate necessary action or change. However, if you find that your stress levels have become too heavy or frequent, it's time to get some relief.

Try these simple stress-relief techniques.

Exercise to Reduce Stress: The endorphins you get from exercise can be a mood lifter. Whether you jog around the block, jump up and down on a trampoline or climb the stairs of your office building during your lunch break, exercise can be a great boost and stress reliever.

Get Outdoors: It has been found that spending a little bit of time outdoors several times each week can relieve stress and relax the body. Have you considered fitting some “green exercise” into your weekly routine? Green exercise refers to physical activities performed outdoors in scenic surroundings. Find parks or trails where you can enjoy nature. Even if you only have time to sit and read a book in your garden or yard and soak up some sun for a few minutes, this will reduce your anxiety and stress levels.

Breathe Deeply: When your stress levels climb, take a moment to stop and take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale it slowly through your mouth. The simple activity of inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly will bring your attention to your body and the present moment. Don’t let your stressful thoughts interfere with your deep breathing session. Chase away thoughts about deadlines or any stressful event that has occurred. Focus on your breath for a few minutes. This will center you, allowing you to tackle any issues with a clearer mind and calmer approach.

Try Aromatherapy: Invest in some aromatic oils. Choose calming scents like lavender and chamomile. Rub a drop of diluted oil on the inside of your wrist and breathe in the scent. You can also add a drop or two to your bath and allow yourself time away from everything to calm your mind and your senses.

Content provided to the community by the Healthboards Editorial Staff ]]> ChristaIB http://www.healthboards.com/boards/blogs/christaib/3237-want-relieve-stress.html