Is There A Turtle On YOUR Head??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do You Have A Turtle On Your Head??  In other words, are you a worrier??  Worrying about things that are happening and even things that haven't happened yet? 

We all worry sometimes, but when it gets out of control it can create problems with your health and with your life.

So, let's break it down. What is worrying accomplishing??

Does worrying change the outcome? NO  Does worrying give you control over the situation you are worrying about? NO

Does worrying take away the problem you are worrying about? NO  

So, if we look at it logically, worrying does absolutely nothing except drain our energy and potentially damage our health. Of course, some people have legitimate anxiety disorders and need medication. That is not what I am talking about here. 

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Ongoing anxiety/stress is a different story. It's one of the most requested topics for me to speak on when I work with corporate groups.

Not all stress is negative. Positive stress, also known as Eustress, can help us prepare for a job interview or a wedding. But there's definitely a difference between stress that is positive and the stress/worry that can actually create physical symptoms and lead to health problems.

When our "fight or flight" response gets triggered by daily anxiety and worry, our body's sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones like cortisol. The chronic outpouring of these hormones can suppress our immune system, cause heart disease, digestive disorders and depression.

So, how can you find ways to break the pattern of chronic worry and anxiety?? Here are some tips:

Exercise Daily! That means move your body - ideally at least 30 minutes a day. Walk, jog, yoga, go to the gym, but do something that gets you moving!

Eat A Healthy, Balanced Diet. Stress tends to make you crave all the wrong foods, usually those "comfort foods" like Mac&Cheese, or chips. Pasta is ok, but choose whole grain or brown rice pasta and add some protein like chicken or fish. If you're vegetarian, add lima beans or kidney beans to your pasta for a protein boost. Check future blogs for recipes.

Relaxation Techniques. Listen to calming music and BREATHE. Focus on taking deep breaths since you tend to take shallow breaths when stressed. Aromatherapy is also a great tool for easing anxiety. Try essential oils like lavendar or mandarin. For more info on aromatherapy, I like this site: www.naturesgift.com

Talk To A Therapist And/Or Reach Out To Friends. Lonlieness and isolation can intesify your anxiety, so reach out...

 

That's it for now. Until Next time - 

"Live Now - Live Well!"

Tracy

 

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