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Decrease Stress
Stress is a normal part of daily life, but excess stress can reek havoc on our health. Chronic stress can increase a persons risk of cardiovascular disease and can lead to headaches and sleep disturbances. Fortunately, there are many ways to combat the effects of stress. Here are three ways to decrease your stress and live a healthful life:
Exercise - Aerobic exercise is a powerful stress buster. Just 30 minutes four times a week is enough to
help decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) and to increase your bodies natural endorphins, which elevate
mood.
Meditation and Yoga - Meditation and yoga require that we concentrate our energy on our mind and
body, as well as on our breathing. This concentration distracts us from stress and it also aids in the release
of calming hormones.
Positive Thinking - Studies have shown that positive thinking and positive self talk can lead to an increase
in serotonin (a neurotransmitter associated with improved mood), which can help with our bodies reaction
to stress.
Drink More Water
Everyone knows that they should drink water, but being well hydrated is one of the easiest ways you can improve your health. Although water needs vary depending on the individual, drinking around 8 glasses of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45% and bladder cancer by 50%. Water also regulates your metabolism, so if you are trying to lose weight, being well hydrated is key. In addition, water flushes toxins out of vital organs and carries nutrients to your cells. The easiest way to get enough water is to carry a water bottle, such as the Klean Kanteen bottle, a tough stainless steel bottle, which is toxin-free, non-leaching and dishwasher safe. Try to avoid plastic bottles due to their ability to leak harmful phthalates and xenoestrogens into the water.
Exercise - Aerobic exercise is a powerful stress buster. Just 30 minutes four times a week is enough to
help decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) and to increase your bodies natural endorphins, which elevate
mood.
Meditation and Yoga - Meditation and yoga require that we concentrate our energy on our mind and
body, as well as on our breathing. This concentration distracts us from stress and it also aids in the release
of calming hormones.
Positive Thinking - Studies have shown that positive thinking and positive self talk can lead to an increase
in serotonin (a neurotransmitter associated with improved mood), which can help with our bodies reaction
to stress.
Drink More Water
Everyone knows that they should drink water, but being well hydrated is one of the easiest ways you can improve your health. Although water needs vary depending on the individual, drinking around 8 glasses of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45% and bladder cancer by 50%. Water also regulates your metabolism, so if you are trying to lose weight, being well hydrated is key. In addition, water flushes toxins out of vital organs and carries nutrients to your cells. The easiest way to get enough water is to carry a water bottle, such as the Klean Kanteen bottle, a tough stainless steel bottle, which is toxin-free, non-leaching and dishwasher safe. Try to avoid plastic bottles due to their ability to leak harmful phthalates and xenoestrogens into the water.
