Are Your Habits Stressing You?

Stress is a habit. How can that be? Many times habits are things we choose to do that make us feel good. Although, just because they make us feel good, doesn’t mean they are good for us. So, how can stress be a habit? And, who would actually want the habit of stress complicating their lives? I would have to say the answer to that would be no one!

So, what “habits” lead to the stress in our lives? Many times our habits are formed by the unhealthy environment we create for ourselves, and the idea we have in our heads that we do not have time to change these habits. This type of thinking can be very unproductive in your personal and professional life, and can create a vicious cycle that is hard to break. Although you may feel that there just isn’t any time to make these changes in your life, in actuality, taking the time to make these changes in your lifestyle will give you the time for a more productive and stress free life. Let’s evaluate your healthy lifestyle habits.

Are you getting enough sleep? Many people feel that sleep is not important. However, putting sleep on the back burner can actually cause you to move slower, not think as clearly, and make you less productive. The amount of sleep you get is also a proven factor in weight gain and obesity. Getting a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep will help you function to your full capacity, make you more alert to make those important decisions whether at home or at work, and provide the energy for your lifestyle. This will give you the time you need to accomplish the results you want and still have time and energy at the end of the day for your personal life.

Is exercise even on your agenda? The main reason people give for not exercising is not enough time. Exercise does not have to take a lot of your time and it can be fun. There are hundreds of types of exercises you can choose from. Whether you choose cardio machines, interval training, weight training, or playing games with your kids, adding only a small amount of exercise time will enhance your quality of life immensely and immediately. The benefits of exercise are whole body, and in the end, will help you be more productive, and will result in a less stressful life.

Are you making healthy food choices? Those of us who have busy lives trying to fit in work, family and personal time tend to navigate towards the more convenient foods because it is just easier. Unfortunately, the more convenient foods are not always the healthiest for us. This path then leads us to foods that can drag our energy levels down or even cause health problems. You can eat fast and still eat healthy. Taking the time to learn some quick nutritional strategies can help you become a healthier, more productive person with the energy you need to accomplish your daily activities. Here are just a few tips:

• Stay away from the caffeine. Caffeine has many negative effects on your health. Improve your stress levels and productivity by simply replacing your coffee or soft drinks with green tea, sparkling fruit juice, or flavored water.
• Pack up some protein-rich, healthy snacks to keep in your car, office or home. If you have a variety of snacks available at all times, you will be less tempted to eat that sugary candy bar that has become your habit to reach for when you are hungry. Try a trail mix, granola bar, fruits, sliced vegetables like carrots, etc. The point is to have a variety, and to have them easily accessible in pre-packed containers.
• Consider bringing your lunch to work. People will usually pack healthier lunches, than what they choose eating out. Just a few days a week will help you with time and money, resulting in less stress.
• Supply your home with healthy snacks, and throw out the unhealthy ones. The best way to avoid those temptations is to simply not bring them into your home. Healthy choices need not be boring. Be creative, have fun and try new ideas. Choose items such as: peanut butter with celery, sliced apples and yummy orange slices.

Stay away from the caffeine. Caffeine has many negative effects on your health. Improve your stress levels and productivity by simply replacing your coffee or soft drinks with green tea, sparkling fruit juice, or flavored water.

Pack up some protein-rich, healthy snacks to keep in your car, office or home. If you have a variety of snacks available at all times, you will be less tempted to eat that sugary candy bar that has become your habit to reach for when you are hungry. Try a trail mix, granola bar, fruits, sliced vegetables like carrots, etc. The point is to have a variety, and to have them easily accessible in pre-packed containers.

Consider bringing your lunch to work. People will usually pack healthier lunches, than what they choose eating out. Just a few days a week will help you with time and money, resulting in less stress.

Supply your home with healthy snacks, and throw out the unhealthy ones. The best way to avoid those temptations is to simply not bring them into your home. Healthy choices need not be boring. Be creative, have fun and try new ideas. Choose items such as: peanut butter with celery, sliced apples and yummy orange slices.

Begin now to engage in your new stress relieving healthy habits!