By Donna V. Scaglione
For years studies have shown that stress harms good health. It can play a role in disease and in mental well-being. But unfortunately, stress is a fact of life in modern living. However, there are many ways to help control and reduce stress, from avoiding refined foods that spike blood-sugar levels and trigger stress hormone production, to taking time each day to enjoy simple things that give us pleasure. Consider these ways of turning down the stress level in your life.
1. Talk to Yourself
Use that voice inside your head for positive self-talk, advises the American Heart Association. The practice will help you relieve stress and better handle situations that make you anxious. You don’t necessarily have to speak out loud; self-talk usually occurs in our heads. Try it when you recognize negative, critical thoughts coming to mind. The AHA suggests trying out these positive statements:
• “I won’t let this problem get me down.”
• “I can handle things if I take one step at a time.”
• “I’m human, and we all make mistakes.”
• “I can deal with this situation when I feel better.”
