Did you know that about half of the U.S. population lives with a chronic disease and a fourth lives with multiple?
And two-thirds of deaths in the world are due to chronic disease?
But what if these numbers were preventable…
Because THEY ARE!
We can prevent chronic disease by the lifestyle we live.
One of the biggest stressors for chronic disease is stress.
So if we want to decrease chronic disease, we need to learn to release stress.
We will always have stress but we don’t have to let it deteriorate our health.
Let’s talk about what we can do to release stress:
- Physical Movement
More than physical traits, physical movement has many mental benefits. Physical movement is a great way to release stress, anxiety, and depression.
Physical movement has been a lifesaver for me! Whenever I feel stressed or anxious, a workout makes me feel SO much better.
Endorphins are released when we move our bodies. Endorphins are called the “feel good chemical” because they make our bodies feel good. This is what we need when we are stressed!
I love a good cardio session to sweat out the stress, but weight lifting helps too.
If you enjoy running, biking, walking, do what you enjoy. Just get moving!
- Creative Expression
Creativity is a great way to express yourself. Whether with art, movement, singing, dance, journaling, and more, creativity is a release.
My two favorite types of creative expressions are painting and journaling.
I feel relaxed when I paint and when I focus on the act, I don’t think about my “to-do list” or whatever is increasing my stress. I am present.
With journaling I’m able to express myself in a different way, with writing. I feel that it’s such a release to let out all the words and thoughts jumbled in my brain.
*Never tell yourself you aren’t good at art!* Some people might be better at it than others, but that does not mean you cannot express yourself! You are only limiting yourself when you say this.
- Connection With Others
Human connection is one of the biggest indicators of vibrancy in life. Studies have shown that the more you spend time with others, the happier you will be.
Connection is a part of us. We need it.
We can get connected in several different ways. Of course with family, but also at work, social events, activities, and community events.
If you struggle with this connection with others, trust me you are not alone. Here are some ways you can connect with others:
- Collaborate with others at work
- Find others (in person or online) who have similar interests or hobbies
- Attend events in the community
As an introvert, I understand these events can be VERY intimidating and anxiety-producing. But I also know how vital connection is to us.
I really had to push myself to get out of my comfort zone when I went to college and no longer had my parents pushing me into activities. I had to get involved on my own and I did by making friends in my dorm, having fun with people at work, and attending events held by the college.
College served as a teacher in how I can make connections with others and how much better I feel when I am in connection with others. College was the best years of my life because of the people I surrounded myself with.
I continually strive for a sense of connection like I had then. I had to, and still have to, push myself out of my comfort zone, but in the end I am so happy to have amazing people in my life to have fun with and support me through all of life’s challenges.
So I encourage you to push yourself outside your comfort zone and make connections with others 💜
And the thing is, sometimes relieving stress will not be comfortable. Sometimes it will stretch us and we will have to do things we don’t “want to do.”
Have you ever felt that way? I do all the time, by the way. I know I need to do something and I know I will feel better but it’s getting myself to do it that’s the hard part. Actually, currently I am putting off moving my body because I don’t want to get up off the couch 😉
But I WILL get up off the couch. Why? Because I know how good my body will feel when I move my body and I also know how bad I will feel if I don’t.
If you can push yourself to do the things that you know will make you feel better (movement, expressing yourself, connecting with others…) you WILL feel better.
Push yourself, stretch yourself, and remind yourself of what you will receive in return for taking care of your body and releasing your stress. Your body and mind will thank you 💜
