Reduce Stress: Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

April marks National Stress Awareness Month. And stress levels for many people have been off the charts for the last six years. That includes me. I did not realize I was functioning under an extreme amount of stress until I went on a relaxation trip (I don't remember my last one).

I seriously could not bring my stress level down because I was constantly moving to the beat of my watch for years. I started working at 13, according to SS records, and I'm still working. That is a was a rude awakening.

For the last six years, my life was time and money, and every second counted. Our lives changed overnight; my hubby became unemployed at 55. Force retirement, Hello, too young.

We refused to tap into our retirement fund until the right age came along (years down the road), because we are so scared to run out of money. I was living, and somewhat still am, in constant fear.

So, I worked, worked, and worked. The sad thing is, there are so many people out there who have and are experiencing what we are experiencing now. The market is not getting better for anyone who is trying to find or get a better-paying job. With that said, working to the point of exhaustion out of fear is not a healthy approach.

I did not like how my body was reacting both mentally and physically to the downtime. I did not like functioning at this level of stress. I made a choice when I returned home; something really needed to change.

Stress can affect your body, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Recognizing common symptoms of stress can help you manage them effectively. Stress that is left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

I Want to Talk About Stress

What is Stress? Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension.

What causes stress? Stress is an environmental, psychological, or sociological situation that causes your Fight/Flight response.

There are two types of stress.

Distress refers to negative stress that can be either short-term or long-term stress. This type of stress can impact you both mentally and physically. Losing a loved one (spouse or family member), unemployment, money problems, divorce, or an injury or illness (oneself or a family member) are examples of distress we will experience in our lifespan.

Eustress refers to positive stress that motivates us to remain active and continue our daily functions. It is short-term and within our means to deal with stress. Other situations include starting a new job, moving, receiving a promotion, a pay raise, and purchasing a new home or vehicle.

I was living in distress for a long, long time, and my cortisol levels needed to come down. I had been in what I call 'combat mode,' a fight-or-flight response.

What did I do?

I took control. I scaled back my schedule and reevaluated my time because I was losing my connection with myself and my family.

I shut my phone, stopped working on a few projects, and took my workouts outdoors (hot or cold). I also created a schedule, which I have maintained consistently for the last 4 months.

Limiting my phone use to 2 hours a day has been challenging. I am grateful because my mental well-being has improved. I will admit that I have fallen a few times, and you know what, that is ok.

I started spending more time outdoors. This has had a positive impact on my mental health. Research indicates that individuals who frequently engage with nature tend to be happier and healthier.

I feel more mentally and physically stronger. I didn't realize how much I missed being outdoors. Did you know that you can reduce stress and cortisol levels while also promoting feel-good hormones like serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine? Get outdoors and start moving, see what happens to your body mentally and physically.

The most inexpensive and easiest way to improve your health and wellness is to get outdoors and enjoy Mother Earth while walking.

I challenge you to spend at least 15 minutes a day and one hour on the weekends outdoors walking. The great thing about this form of exercise is that you can walk anyplace, anywhere, anytime. Just turn off your phone and get outdoors and walk.

Most importantly, you can disconnect from our digital world and free your mind and body from the daily grind. I'm so thankful that I did.