We all experience stress in our lives everyday. Stress is actually a motivator to get us moving and able to complete tasks. But, if not managed properly, stress can become a very negative thing that can harm your body anywhere from becoming ill with the flu, to causing serious heart conditions.
I had to do an interview for one of my classes involving someone who is able to manage stress well. I was a little perplexed at first, because stress is such an arduous thing to manage that it seems not many people would be able to do so properly. But, I was able to find a great interviewee. I interviewed one of my supervisors at my work, and was able to get some great stress management techniques from her. I thought I would share them to my fellow health supporters in hopes that you may find some useful tips to help manage your own personal stress.
Here is the interview:
Lauren: How do you manage the stress you experience?
Supervisor: At work I vent for a while when something stresses me out, then I just try to relax. At home I get angery, slam things, and speak little underbreath angers that only I can hear.
Lauren: What do you do to relax?
Supervisor: Take a hot bath, read, excercise.
Lauren: How do you look at stressful events so as to make them less stressful?
Supervisor: I look at stressful events as learning experiences. I also learn from past experiences how to manage future similar stresses. I try to realize that each stressful situation will only last so long. For example, you only have to listen to a screaming baby in child care for one hour, then that stress is gone when the parent comes to take the child.
Lauren: Who helps you manage the stress in your life?
Supervisor: The people I vent to.
Lauren: Knowing me, what do you suggest I do to manage the stress I experience?
Supervisor: Look at things in the bigger picture, rather then focus on the exact present. Also, learn to let things pass. Don't hold on to angers.
How many of you consistantly skip breakfast? Why do you skip breakfast? Comment me, cause I want to know. Many people skip breakfast because they don't "have time," or because they are trying to loose weight. The truth of the matter is, skipping breakfast does not help you loose weight. It does, however, help you loose muscle. You see, in your liver, your body stores 400 calories of glucose. This glucose is your body's first source of energy. Once this glucose is used up, your body will start breaking down muscle to accomodate your energy needs. Fat is the very last thing your body will break down. (This is why many anorexic people have such a high percentage of body fat, though they are so skinny.) So, when you skip breakfast, you are really allowing your body to break down muscle. If you want to look like a shriveled up little gross thing, than be my guest and keep skipping breakfast. If I have somewhat scared the health into you now about eating breakfast, than I will suggest some good breakfast options. "Special K" is a delicious, healthy breakfast cereal. You can also eat "Rasin Bran," or "Honey Bunches of Oats." Oatmeal is always an excellent option. Eat some fruit, or whole grain toast. Just eat something! Oh, and by they way, this 400 calories of glucose applies to your body all day. If you go to long without eating, your body will start to break down muscle. Allright suga suga?
