Written by: Dr. Denise L Morrison, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Dr. Denise is here to let you know that even though you might be stressed to the max right now, there are still small, practical steps you can take to cope with that stress and stay healthy.
But first, why am I talking about stress?
Like it’s not enough to live with stress, now I’ve got to be talking about it too?
Agh… not fun…!!!
But the truth is that it sure is important to acknowledge stress so you can reduce it or cope with it a little better.
Think of it like aiming for a 1% improvement. You may not be able to change the stressors in your life, but if you can manage the impact on your body 1% better, then you’ll stay healthier and more able to handle the stress.
Worthwhile, yes?
Truth: what are some of the effects of stress on your body?
I’m the first person to pretend that stress is no big deal, so if you’re like me, then the two of us need to have a “Come to Buddha” moment and get real about how stress is affecting our bodies.
Stress increases cortisol production associated with weight gain (especially in the belly), an inability to lose weight or gain muscle, and premature aging
Stress decreases nutrient absorption due to decreased enzymatic production from the stomach, pancreas, and liver and decreased bile flow from the gallbladder
Stress increases nutrient excretion such as urinary loss of calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, chromium, selenium, and micro minerals
Stress decreases gut flora populations by destroying healthy intestinal bacteria and can lead to immune problems, skin disorders, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive distress
Stress increases salt retention which can lead to high blood pressure
Stress decreases the thyroid hormone which can negatively affect your metabolism
Stress decreases sex hormones which lead to loss of libido and low energy
But you’re not reading this just to talk about problems, and you’re reading to find solutions! So read on...
How can I reduce or cope better with stress?
Remember, since we can’t always control the stress in our lives, the goal is to reduce our experience of stress by even 1%.
Here’s how you can do that, starting now:
Look at your calendar for the next 7 days. What’s one activity you’ve committed to that you can cancel?
Look at your to-do list. What’s one item you can delegate to someone else in the next 24 hours?
Consider your schedule today. Where can you fit in 20 minutes for yourself —where you’re not taking care of anyone else or being “productive”—so you can just relax and play and do something mindless?
Look at your calendar for tomorrow. Where can you fit in a 10-minute walk or Frisbee toss in your backyard? The fresh air and movement will help you cope way better with stress.
Before your next meal, try what I call the “5-5-7” breath.
Inhale for a count of 5, hold your breath for a count of 5, then exhale for a count of 7.
Repeat at least 3 times.
This gives your body a chance to relax before your meal, which will increase your digestive capacity and help your body pull more nutrients from the food you’re eating.
What do I do now?
If you feel too stressed to relax, and you know it’s affecting your health, your weight, and your energy levels, then email me to schedule a time to talk with me about how to reduce or cope better with the stress in your life.
I’ve helped tons of clients solve this problem, and chances are very good that I can help you, too.
To your health!
Dr. Denise xo
Dr. Denise L Morrison, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Denise Morrison is the CEO of Intuitively Unique Coaching, her Holistic Brand of Health/Life Coaching. She struggled for decades to overcome traumatic experiences from her own past. She compensated for her lack of confidence with degrees and professional success. She numbed her pain with addictive eating and self-abusive behaviors. And when she finally turned to the right teachers and coaches, she learned that change does not need to take decades. Change can actually be instantaneous. And change can be lasting. After having worked for many years in healthcare, Denise felt a pull and a passion for working with people on a deeper and more transformational level.
Her academic mind was drawn to the evidence-based practices of nutrition and exercise, but she was also compelled by the more mystical therapies emerging from neuroscience and quantum healing.
Denise sought out the best training in health and wellness, life coaching, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) so that she would have access to the most powerful tools to help others change their lives for the better.
