Stress is something that can affect almost everyone in today’s fast-paced society. No matter what season of life we are in - whether we have a house full of kids or kid-free, are single, married, divorced or widowed - a busy lifestyle spells S.T.R.E.S.S. This feeling is described as a constant, low-grade tension brought on by anything from spilling your milk to unpaid bills to traffic jams. These events cause a steady drip of the hormones named adrenaline and cortisol. These two powerful hormones give us the drive to compete in a sporting event or to exert a high-level of physical energy in an emergency. However, if you're kicking out adrenaline and cortisol when you’re driving to work at 6am, these hormones are not being properly utilized and become corrosive to your arteries. They raise your blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation markers. Consistently feeling stressed goes far beyond muscle tightening and stress headaches. It can increase your risk of heart disease, compromise your immune system, cause weight gain and even lead to depression.

Ways to Combat S.T.R.E.S.S.

Stretch: Give yourself INSTANT relief from the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Take a deep breath to oxygenate your muscles & brain, then lift your arms over your head and straighten your back. This will hopefully give you an instant sense of calm. Deep breathing and a little back straightening works while driving, in a meeting, or even while trying to find that parking space.

Talk out your problems: So often we reach for unhealthy coping mechanisms such as eating, drinking and smoking when sometimes we simply need to express our frustrations or concerns. Talking with a friend, counselor, coach or co-worker can help bring a fresh perspective to your issue, helping you to deal with matters in a more appropriate way.

Rest: Prioritize six to eight hours of sleep each night as often as possible. This tip is easier said than done; however, if you know this is what accelerates your stress level, strive to start allowing your system ample time to shut down in the evening. Many find that reading a book right before bed helps to calm them or taking a hot bath or shower. Find what works best for you.

Exercise and Eat Right: Staying active helps us to burn off extra stress hormones (cortisol and epinephrine). These two lifestyle habits have a multitude of benefits. Eating a well balanced diet helps to keep our blood sugar stabilized and exercise continues to motivate us to eat right. It all works together!

Simplify: Make a list of 5 activities you enjoy doing (e.g., spending quality time with friends and family, reading, going for walks, volunteering or cooking). If you are asked to pursue an activity that is not on your top 5 list, step back and evaluate if you have time for it. Force yourself to analyze your schedule and prioritize your values.

Say No if needed: If the top 5 list (as noted above) helped you to identify your passions in life, now prioritize that list (e.g., 1. spending quality with family and friends, 2. cooking, 3. volunteering, 4. going for walks, 5. reading). See if you can combine any of the activities, such as volunteering to cook – two things you enjoy doing – and then make extra food for your family. Go for a walk with your family or friend next time you schedule a get-together. Remember to Say NO to activities that do not fit into your schedule or are not found on your list of enjoyable events.