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Tips for Managing Stress as We Return to ‘Normal’
Every year brings its own range of stress-inducing uncertainties, and perhaps 2021 has had more than the usual. With new COVID variants and the return to regular life not being linear, shutdowns and other limitations have been worrisome for over a year. For some, the worries are about health and safety of loved ones, impact on income and employment, and future plans. To varying extents, we are all dealing with these situations. Now that autumn is here with children going back to school and other adjustments, what steps can we take to manage stress? The Mayo Clinic suggests a number of strategies for managing the stress in our lives. The first is taking regular exercise, noting that it increases the production of “feel-good” neuro-transmitters called endorphins, that help regulate our flight-or-fight responses, boost our immune systems, and provide the opportunity for meditation in motion. The second is practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, tai chi, and yoga. Mental health therapist Zoe Clews suggests the 4-7-8 breathing technique that involves breathing in for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds and exhaling for eight seconds. The third is maintaining a sense of humour. Aside from humour allowing us to reframe or perceive the stressors in our lives, laughter itself has many positive attributes, including increasing those endorphins, activating and relieving our bodies’ stress responses, improving mood and increasing personal satisfaction. The fourth is spending time with our family and friends. One of worst negative effects of social distancing and shutdowns is that many of us have been become more isolated from our usual social networks. Even if the usual physical gatherings are still not possible for you, make use of technology and ingenuity for feel-good interactions.
The fifth is setting aside time for hobbies such as gardening, cooking, scrapbooking, reading, and making music and art. Mayo Clinic notes that certain inactive hobbies or ways of reducing stress such as watching television, video-gaming, and internet-surfing may seem relaxing but may actually increase stress in the long-term. AIM has a range of products that can help with the management of stress, support the immune system, and maintain general good health. These include: • Composure helps to maintain neuro health, provides a safe and effective way to reduce tension, and relieves nervousness and unrest. • GinkgoSense helps to enhance cognitive function, improves neuroplasticity, provides powerful antioxidants, and helps maintain mental acuity. • Proancynol 2000 provides a powerful source of antioxidants that support general good health and maintain a strong immune system, reduce free radical damage, and increase energy. • Peak Endurance helps to maintain proper muscle function and connective tissue formation, increases energy levels, reduces fatigue, and stimulates blood flow to peripheral sites. Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stresssymptoms/art-20050987