Many of you know that I'm currently finishing up certification to be an FDN-P. That's a pretty acronym for Functional Diagnostic Nutrition-Practitioner. It's basically a high end health coach that provides me the ability to give you access to run labs on yourself and gives me the knowledge to help you interpret those labs and help you formulate a plan to turn your health around while walking with you on that journey. Phew...that was a mouthful. But, it's so exciting that I have to explain it to everyone I talk to.
That said, one of the areas we really focus on is stress. On the Health Detective Podcast, they ask every guest one question...
If you could get people to do one thing, what would it be?
For me that's an easy one. Reduce your stress. That's it...that's the one thing that I believe every single American needs to work on. AND I believe we should begin teaching these strategies to children at a young age so they are just part of what they do, like brushing their teeth because once people get older, creating habits is more difficult and the damage of living a life filled with stress without a way to cope and reduce that stress, has already been done.
Why do I place so much emphasis on stress management? Look at this data...
-70 to 80% of all doctor visits are for stress-related illnesses
-People who experience high levels of anxiety are 4 to 5 times more likely to die of a fatal heart attack or stroke
-Stress contributes to 50% of all illnesses
Source: Morrison, Deborah. "Get a Grip on Stress." Healthy & Natural Journal Feb, 2001.
If that isn't enough, check this out... "Stress seems to worsen or increase the risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems, and asthma"
Source: https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/features/10-fixable-stress-related-health-problems
I write a lot about journaling to help improve mental health. But there are many ways to aid in this task. Here are a few...
-Meditation
-Tapping
-Exercise
-Diet and nutrition
-Art
-Traditional therapy
-Medication
-Music
-Nature
-Reiki
-Massage
-Journaling
-Gratitude
-Visualization
You have to find what works for you. I recommend working with a coach that specializes in stress reduction and improving overall mental health. Therapists are wonderful and oh so critical for many people. If that is you, kudos for finding something that helps. If that is not you and you want to dive into a strategy to help you deal with the everyday stress of life and existing, exploring these strategies with a coach can help you to
a) develop positive habits
b) decide which is best for you and
c) give you a partner on the journey to healing.
You owe it to yourself to find a strategy to give you your life and relationships back. A body dealing with chronic stress and anxiety will continue to live in a state of dis-ease.
How do you want to live?
In peace ~C
I am not a therapist or physician. Mental health challenges are real. There is no shame in seeking help. Reach out to experts if you need them because you are loved and valued.