The Best M.E.D.S. for Stress Management

 

Are you looking for quick and easy ways to manage your daily stress?  For daily stress relief, take these daily M.E.D.S.:  Mindfulness, Exercise, Diet, and Stress Management.

 

Mindfulness

I recommend a daily three-minute gratitude ritual.  This starts with quieting your mind by paying attention to your breathing to help you become aware of the moment.  Here’s my favorite ritual.

With each slow breath, I say:

Thank you God for this moment,

Thank you God for this place,

Thank you God for the water,

Thank you God for the air,

Thank you God for the light,

Thank you God for this life.

Thank you God, Thank you God, Thank you God.

In place of God you can thank the Great Spirit, the Great Mother, Allah or whatever force you believe has given you these gifts.

 

Exercise

I recommend at least three minutes of daily exertion.  Exertion means you are breathing so hard you can’t have a conversation.  This may involve running up and down stairs, doing push-ups, crunches, and squats (modified as needed), or running in place.  You don’t need to change your clothes (sweat from exercise doesn’t stink like sweat from anxiety), and you can do your exercise of choice before lunch, between meetings, or when you first get home.  No one will miss you for three minutes (okay, maybe a crying baby or puppy).  And whatever exercise you enjoy or do routinely, but ALWAYS do at least three minutes of exertional exercise daily.  You’ll be amazed and pleased by the results – within weeks you’re likely to feel stronger, more toned, and more energetic.  Exercise is one of the best MEDs you can take!

 

Diet

I recommend you avoid sugar to reduce mood fluctuation.  By curtailing your intake of sugar, you’ll have more consistent energy, and you’ll lower your risk for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.  You’ll feel better and live longer!  No matter what diet you follow, whether it’s gluten-free, Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, or Paleo, you’ll feel better and you’ll be healthier if you eliminate sugary sweets.

 

Stress Management

I recommend saying NO!  Say no to unnecessary activities.  Say no to unnecessary work and relationship drama.  Say no to requests for your time when it’s not crucial.  Say no to unhealthy urges.  But say YES to getting enough sleep, spending less than you earn, and surrounding yourself with kind and loving people and animals as much as you can.

 

By consistently practicing these daily M.E.D.S., you’ll reduce your stress, feel good about yourself, and live longer!

Before you begin your “M.E.D.S.” be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.  It’s necessary to be sure that the activities you chose, particularly diet and exercise, do not cause you any harm.