Nature may not offer flat-screen TVs, air conditioning or WiFi; but it can still offer something of value: improved health. Spending time outside can boost both physical and emotional wellness, strengthening bonds with Mother Earth.
Healthy Inside and Beautiful Outside: Your Ultimate Wellness Guide offers all of the tools necessary for physical and mental wellbeing in life.
Stress Management
Stress is an integral component of daily life, yet prolonged or excessive amounts can have adverse health consequences. Stressful situations can disturb sleeping patterns, increase heart attack and stroke risk factors, cause depression and weight gain – as well as release cortisol and adrenaline as part of a “fight or flight” response preparing them to confront or flee danger; in short bursts this is beneficial; however over time chronic stress can alter blood pressure readings, ability to concentrate or digest food properly, headaches muscle tension gastrointestinal issues as well as lead to headaches muscle tension gastrointestinal issues as weight gain.
To help combat stress effectively, avoid unhealthy methods of dealing with it such as binging on unhealthy foods or resorting to drugs and alcohol. Instead, focus on making healthier lifestyle changes such as getting enough restful sleep each night, eating well balanced meals, exercising regularly and including meditation or prayer as part of your daily regimen.
If these steps don’t help, seek professional assistance from a mental health provider. Consulting a counselor or therapist may be beneficial in pinpointing the source of your stress while learning new strategies to cope. Furthermore, seeking therapy shows strength rather than weakness.