Let's talk food, diet, and nutrition...and workouts

 


Let's talk food, diet, and nutrition...and workouts

I am no dietitian, a nutritionist, a doctor, or a nurse. I do however know how to read, do math, and I have trained some of the occupations mentioned earlier, including doctors and nurses.

Let's start with a favorite,  McDonald's Fries. Time and time again they have been the favorite. My favorite are the ones from In-N-Out. I watched them cut them up and put them in the fryer on the spot. You'll never see a potato cut up at McDonald's.

So this how they make the fries. At the McDonald's FOOD FACTORY they cut the potatoes into a fry 'shape' ... Stay with me. Then they FREEZE DRY those 'fries'. That removes the water. That process is repeated. After that you have fries that have the potato DNA without the water. It's basically a stick of cardboard. Then they dip those fries in their special grease. And like cardboard in water, those fries some it up. Then they're placed into the freezer and then shipped. When you order fries, those grease soaked frozen items are dipped back into the same grease and refried. You aren't tasting a potato, you are tasting a grease flavored textured French Fry. That is why when you reheat them they taste like a stick of grease. However,  they taste GOOD!

McDonald's Fries are just one example of foods that ADDICT you. In a nut shell, any food that you eat out of a box or can is either processed, has a lot of sodium to sustain it in that box or can, and will probably have a high amount of cholesterol, saturated fats, and other things you don't need. Some of the chemicals in our foods are banned in other countries.

There is so much processing in today's food that it affects pancreatic activity, lowers the age of puberty, and lowers the fertility rate. 'Lunchables' and other foods are allowed to have a 'minimal' amount of LEAD in their food.

Everyone wants to know "How much should I eat?" There is a thing called 'Resting Metabolic Rate or 'RMR'. It is the amount of calories your body burns at rest in a day. A quick explanation is your body weight is 10% of your RMR. A longer explanation can be read HERE:

In order to achieve your goal weight (whether you want to gain or lose or maintain) you must first and foremost consume the optimal amount of calories as well as stay active. For weight loss purposes this does not necessarily mean dieting or starving yourself; it means that you consume the exact number of calories so that the body's metabolism does not slow down and no loss of muscle tissue-which in turn contributes to low metabolism.

In order to find out what your optimal calorie intake is you must first know what your Resting Metobolic Rate (RMR) is. Resting Metobolic Rate (RMR) is the number of calories the body burns a day AT REST. Simply put, combined with your activity level, eat more than your RMR you gain, eat less than your RMR you lose, and eat the amount of calories equal to your RMR and you remain at your current weight. Normally you must see your Doctor, a Nutritionist, or go to a gym and pay $50 or more to have this test done.  We here at Mason Media have posted a formula below that will calculate your RMR for you for FREE.  Why is knowing your RMR important? You can go on any diet you want but if you consume too many calories you definitely will not achieve your goal weight. If you eat too little the body may go into starvation mode and retain calories. I will try to simplify this process for you. From my experience as a Trainer I noticed a 'correlation' when using the apparatus at the gym as well as using a slide rule provided by a 'slide rule' type apparatus that was supplied to me by a supplement company I also represented. The 'correlation' was that on almost every client the body weight was 10% of RMR. So if you weigh 150, your RMR will be approximately 1,500 calories/day. To lose weight, eat 1,350 calories/day spread over 5 meals and snacks/day, and exercise. To gain weight start with eating 1,650 calories/day; and exercise with muscle resistance and cardio whether your goal is to lose weight or gain weight to support metabolism. That was simple math. Below is the real math. Good Luck!

Men: 88.362 + (13.397 × weight in kg) + (4.799 × height in cm) - (5.677 × age in years)

Women: 447.593 + (9.247 × weight in kg) + (3.098 × height in cm) - (4.330 × age in years)

Then there is understanding Metabolism.

To lose weight while maintaining a healthy metabolism, focus on:

-Loss of body fat
-Losing inches instead of weight
-Eating five to seven meals a day

-Eat an hour to an hour and a half before you work out to fuel your muscles and prevent muscle loss

-Strength training to maintain or add muscle along with cardiovascular exercise (Too much cardio can be counterproductive.  Do no more than 45 minutes/5-6 days a week.)

-Take proper supplements when necessary
-Most of all, it is important not to be hard on yourself.  Create a plan that you will stick with for the rest of your life.  Allow yourself one cheat day (Unless that day last longer than a day-if that is the case act like an alcoholic-STICK WITH THE PROGRAM 24/7.) a week so you do not feel completely deprived of your favorite foods.

AND STAY OFF THE SCALE!!! 

#metabolism #losefat #weightloss


This is where the problem arises. People are being sold nutrition plans and foods and don't know how many calories they should be eating. Also, the food labels on all foods are very misleading. They give you the serving size, serving per package, and they give you the amout of grams and the daily percentage  of those individual servings. Then in the  SMALL PRINT at the bottom they tell you it's based on a '2,000' calorie diet. If you weigh 150lbs you don't need to base what you eat on a 2,000 calorie diet. You basically have to be good at math to figure it out unless you follow the 10% rule mentioned earlier.

Once you figure out your RMR, now what?

Let's again use 150lbs as your current body weight. If you want to lose weight, be active 3 to 4 days a week (Weights and Cardio - Including Women - I'll explain). If you weigh 150lbs and you want to lose weight start with 1,350 calories a day. You do NOT want to go on a starvation diet. Your body is smarter than you. If you drop your calorie intake too much too fast your body will withhold calorie. With that being said, if you want to gain weight while weighing 150lbs try eating 1,650 calories WHILE WORKING OUT.

So, you're wondering "What should I eat?" You want to feed yourself PROTIENS, FATS, AND CARBS. Many diet plans tell you to avoid carbs and fats. That is bad advice. Here is why. Fats are the low level energy that fuel the nervous system. It is what makes you THINK, and you brain to be on point. FATS are the low level energy that make your clock in the car keep time when it's not running. They also, say avoid CARBS. That too is bad advice. CARBS give you the spark you need. It's just that, CARBS act as a spark plug when you need to get going. That is why we have donuts, cereal, and bagels in the morning. However, if you don't be active CARBS will turn to fat.

Let's talk about PROTIEN. Protein, Is The Building Block For Muscles.

Protein: The Building Block for Muscles

Protein is a vital macronutrient that plays a key role in building, maintaining, and repairing muscles. It's made up of amino acids, which are often referred to as the "building blocks" of the body. Without adequate protein intake, the body cannot effectively grow or maintain muscle mass.

Here's why protein is so essential for muscles:

1. Muscle Growth: During resistance training or physical activity, muscles undergo small tears. Protein helps repair these tears, making the muscles stronger and larger over time, a process known as muscle hypertrophy.
 
2. Muscle Maintenance: Even when not actively trying to gain muscle, the body needs protein to maintain muscle mass, especially as we age. Without enough protein, the body may break down muscle tissue for energy.

3. Recovery: After exercise, protein helps accelerate recovery by repairing damaged tissues and reducing muscle soreness.

4. Amino Acids: There are 20 different amino acids, nine of which are essential, meaning the body cannot produce them on its own. A balanced intake of these essential amino acids, found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts, is crucial for muscle health.

To optimize muscle building and recovery, experts recommend consuming a balanced amount of protein throughout the day, especially after workouts, to fuel muscle repair and growth.

What Do Carbohydrates (CARBS) Do For The Body?

Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for the body. When you consume carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose (sugar), which your body uses for immediate energy. Here are the main roles carbohydrates play:

1. Energy Production: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source. They provide fuel for the brain, muscles, and other vital organs. Simple carbs give quick energy, while complex carbs provide a more sustained energy release.

2. Storage of Energy: Excess glucose from carbs is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. This stored energy can be used later, especially during physical activity or between meals.

3. Preserve Muscle Mass: When enough carbohydrates are available, the body is less likely to break down proteins for energy, preserving muscle tissue.

4. Support Digestive Health: Fiber, a type of carbohydrate, aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain gut health.

5. Regulate Blood Sugar: Certain complex carbohydrates help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and crashes.

Overall, carbohydrates are essential for maintaining energy levels, brain function, and overall health.

Why Does The Body Need To Consume Fats and What Are The Benefits?

Fats are essential to the body for several important functions and offer numerous benefits. Here's why the body needs to consume fats:

1. Energy Source
   Fats are a concentrated source of energy, providing 9 calories per gram, which is more than double the energy supplied by carbohydrates and proteins (4 calories per gram). This makes fats particularly important for sustaining prolonged physical activity and maintaining energy balance.

2. Cell Structure
   Fats are a key component of cell membranes. They help maintain the integrity and fluidity of the cell membrane, which is essential for proper cell function. Phospholipids, which contain fatty acids, form the lipid bilayer that makes up the cell membrane.

3. Absorption of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
   Certain vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be absorbed by the body when consumed with fats. Without sufficient fat intake, the body would have difficulty absorbing these essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies.

4. Hormone Production
   Fats are involved in the production of hormones, including sex hormones (like estrogen and testosterone) and cortisol. Cholesterol, a type of fat, is essential for synthesizing these hormones.

5. Brain Health
   Fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, play a crucial role in brain function. The brain is about 60% fat, and these essential fatty acids contribute to cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall brain health.

6. Protection and Insulation
   Fats provide a layer of protection around vital organs, such as the heart and kidneys, cushioning them against physical impact. They also act as an insulator, helping to maintain body temperature by trapping heat.

7. Satiety and Taste
   Dietary fats slow down digestion, which helps you feel fuller for longer. Fats also enhance the flavor of food, making meals more satisfying and enjoyable.

8. Supports Skin Health
   Fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, help maintain healthy skin by supporting the skin’s barrier function. They keep the skin hydrated, reduce inflammation, and can protect against conditions like eczema.

Types of Fats and Their Benefits:
   - Unsaturated fats (found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish) are considered "healthy fats" and help reduce bad cholesterol levels, support heart health, and reduce inflammation.
   - Saturated fats (found in animal products and certain oils) should be consumed in moderation, as excessive intake may raise cholesterol levels.
   - Trans fats (found in some processed foods) should be avoided as they can increase the risk of heart disease.

In summary, fats are critical for energy, nutrient absorption, cell health, hormone production, brain function, and overall well-being. The key is to consume the right types of fats in appropriate amounts.

 

#bmi #bodymassindex #weightloss #loseweight

#bmi #bodymassindex #weightloss #loseweight


WORKOUTS

The body is complex, but yet simple. If you PUSH it works the triceps, chest, front of the shoulders and forearms. When you PULL it works the biceps, back, and the back of the shoulder. When you SQUAT or LEGPRESS you work the legs, hips/glutes, hamstrings and quads, as well as the calfskin. Add in Ab exercises and you have worked the entire body. Do NOT over think it. Four (4) areas ... Legs, Back, Chest, Abs ... those are the major muscle groups. Keep it SIMPLE, GOOD LUCK, and STAY UP!!!

#fitness #health #workouts #workout


To lose weight while maintaining a healthy metabolism, focus on:

 




To lose weight while maintaining a healthy metabolism, focus on:


-Loss of body fat
-Losing inches instead of weight
-Eating five to seven meals a day



-Eat an hour to an hour and a half before you work out to fuel your muscles and prevent muscle loss

-Strength training to maintain or add muscle along with cardiovascular exercise (Too much cardio can be counterproductive.  Do no more than 45 minutes/5-6 days a week.)

-Take proper supplements when necessary
-
Most of all, it is important not to be hard on yourself.  Create a plan that you will stick with for the rest of your life.  Allow yourself one cheat day (Unless that day last longer than a day-if that is the case act like an alcoholic-STICK WITH THE PROGRAM 24/7.) a week so you do not feel completely deprived of your favorite foods.

AND STAY OFF THE SCALE!!!
 

#metabolism #losefat #weightloss

Protein Power - What Amount Is Ideal In Order To Maximise Muscle Gains?

 

 

Protein Power - What Amount Is Ideal In Order To Maximise Muscle Gains?

How much protein do I need each day to see results? How much protein is too much? And how many grams of protein can my body assimilate in each meal?

"The only way you're going to build muscle is by eating enough complete protein every day. Just getting calories isn't enough. If you don't eat a high-protein meal within 60-90 minutes after training, you're in essence wasting that time you spent taxing your muscles in the gym. Personally, I try to get at least 350-400 grams of protein per day in the off-season, at bodyweight of around 235 pounds." - Jason Arntz, IFBB pro bodybuilder.

"One must stay with a high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. A good rule of thumb would be to get around 50% of your calories from protein, 40% from carbohydrate and 10% from fat. This will allow you to gain quality muscle while staying fairly lean." - Chad Nicholls, a Professional Sports Nutritionist.

This is just a template; everyone's genetic make-up and metabolism is different. You have to tailor these percentages to fit your specific needs. For example, if you put on fat easily, you may have to lower the carbohydrate intake; if you stay very lean, you may have to raise carbohydrate intake.

"The guidelines we generally use are 0.67-1 gram of protein per pound of body-weight per day. That amount doesn't guarantee results; it guarantees that you're meeting your protein requirement. The results are based on your genetics and your training programme." - Kritin Reimers, Ph.D., R.D., is director of nutrition and health at Conagra Brands.

More than just how much protein, an important consideration is the quality of the protein in your foods. The higher-quality protein is found in animal sources like eggs, beef and milk. That recommendation above assumes two-thirds is from a high-quality protein. If you get a lot of your protein from breads and pastas, you'll probably require more than 1 gram per pound each day.

To answer the second question, some believe that high-protein intake stresses the kidneys, makes the body lose calcium and dehydrates you. Let's address each of those concerns. Frist, the kidney stress applies to people who have a history of kidney disease; for healthy people, it likely isn't a problem. Second, increased protein intake does increase calcium excretion in urine, but the body adapts by increasing its absorption of calcium in your food. Third, there's some obligatory urine loss, but most healthy athletes are going to drink enough fluids.

Keep in mind that focusing solely on one nutrient in a diet isn't healthy. If you're on an almost all-protein diet, you can bet you're missing out on key nutrients. If you keep a balance between carbs, protein and fat, and don't overeat as far as total calories go, your protein intake won't be excessive.

To address the third question, I don't buy the notion that your body can assimilate only so many protein grams per meal, whether it be 30 or whatever. That notion assumes it doesn't matter if I weigh 300 pounds or 120 pounds, and it doesn't matter if I just got up from watching TV. There's no sacrifice basis for those limits.

What happens is this: your body has a pool of aminos it continually replenishes; as the proteins you take in are broken down, some will go to that pool while others may be used for energy. If you're getting enough protein, the body will assimilate what it can and burn the rest for energy or store it as fat. Of course, not consuming all your protein in one shot makes sense; instead, split it up into 3-4 meals per day. This should happen normally unless you're taking extreme measures not to do so.

There are millions hits on the internet search drive for Wellness - from mental to physical health, cardiac fitness, cancer, yoga, how to overcome certain ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, stoke, and tips on weight loss and how to grow taller, with many other ideas getting honorable mention. It takes quite a bit of research to find any one site that has so much to offer on all these fronts, let alone one that can combine all the needs for your innermost wellness - joy, bliss and beyond. For wellness' sake you can stop looking out there, and take some time for yourself, a sort of one-stop-shop: Balanced Lifestyle Wikipedia.

Also, stay informed about genuine reviews of the trendy products like Lean Belly Breakthrough, Grow Taller 4 Idiots, bioptimizers masszymes and many more to nourish and transform your everyday self.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andy_G/2325820

#protein #fitness #health

Weight Loss Tips

 

 

Weight Loss Tips

Are you looking to lose weight to improve your appearance, your health, or even both? If you are, you may be looking for advice. The good news is that there are a number of tips that you can use to help you successfully lose weight and hopefully achieve your weight loss goal.


When it comes to losing weight, the best thing that you can do is eat healthy. Eating healthy involves watching the foods that you eat, not necessarily how much food you eat. Of course, you may want to restrict the amount of foods that you eat, when on a diet, but it is more important to focus on the foods that you do eat. For instance, if you were to eat fruit instead of chips, you could have more fruit snacks with your meals than you would be able to if you were just to eat junk food.



Since eating healthy is an important component of losing weight, you may be wondering how you can go about doing so. One of the first things that you should do is find and familiarize yourself with healthy meals. You can do this by way of standard internet search or by buying a collection of healthy eating recipe books. To reduce the boredom often associated with healthy eating, especially if you are not use to it, it is important that you “spice,” up your foods and try to not eat the same meals over and over again each week.


In connection with healthy eating, regular exercise is also important to weight loss. If you are looking to lose weight, you should start an exercise plan for yourself. Exercise is important as it burns off calories. When you burn calories, the amount of calories that your body absorbs decreases. This is, essentially, what makes it possible for you to lose weight. If you haven’t been exercising regularly in the past, it is important that you take it slow. Exercise is a great way to lose weight, but you do not want to overdo it, especially at first.


If you don’t currently have an exercise plan or program in place, you may be wondering more about what you can do. One of the many ways that you can go about finding exercises or workouts to do is by buying a collection of fitness magazines. Many fitness magazines have detailed exercises outlined in them, often accompanied by pictures. You may also be able to find free instructional workout videos or exercise moves online. As a reminder, it is important to start out slow or at least start with exercises that would be easy for you to.


Eating healthy and regular exercise are both important components of losing weight, but there are additional tips that you can use to help you lose weight. One of those tips involves finding a workout partner or a workout buddy. This is a person who can exercise with you, whether your exercise involves visiting a local gym or just going for a walk at a local shopping center. Having a workout partner may help to keep you motivated and it may help to keep exercising and losing weight fun and exciting for you.


Another way that you can go about successfully achieving your weight loss goal is by “spicing,” up your exercises. As previously mentioned, you can use the internet or fitness magazines to find workouts for you to do at home. To help reduce the boredom often associated with exercising you will want to change up your exercises, often on a daily basis. For instance, one day you may want to use a treadmill, the next day you may want to lift weights, and the next day you may want to do an exercise DVD, and so forth. 



You should also consider making exercise and healthy eating logs or journals for yourself. These items can be used to track your progress. If you have a good week, like one where you completed all of your exercises, you may want to think about rewarding yourself. Your reward doesn’t have to include food; it can be something as simple as a sticker or treating yourself to a movie. Journals and logs have been known to help many individuals looking to lose weight and it may be able to do the same for you.

#fitness #health #weightloss #losewight


Yoga for Women: Basic Yoga Lessons for Women

 


Yoga for Women: Basic Yoga Lessons for Women

If a woman wants a healthy way of life devoid of any strain and stress, she should start her day with yoga.


First things first, when you roll out of your bed, sit onto a mat on the floor and hug your knees to your chest. Then raise your legs in the air and stay bottoms up until your head clears. Next stand up and drop your forehead to your shins until you feel ready to tackle the toothbrush and get on with your day.


Waking up doesn't have to consist of pouring coffee down your gullet to shock yourself alive. 


Many women pile up an array of small violences against themselves from the moment they wake up - caffeine, cigarettes, abrasive exercises or no exercise at all. Lots of faddish fitness programs today have this violent approach - do 50 leg raises or pound your body jogging on the pavement or jump around to a rhythm not of your own making.

Alo Yoga


Your approach to fitness and well-being and to life in general should be nonviolent one - working smoothly with concentration and determination at your own pace without competing with anyone else. Don't be ruthless with yourself and you won't be ruthless with other people.


Your routine should ideally center on 28 postures drawn from the 5,000-year-old technique whose name comes from the Sanskrit for sun, moon and join together. The exercises should range from deep breathing to pretzel-like stretches.


Yoga is strenuous, but not painful, and it gives every inch of your body a terrific workout.


Yoga proves particularly helpful in strengthening a body plagued by injury.

Lululemon


Yoga helps you maintain flexibility, build strength and muscle definition and even. Try spending 60 to 90 minutes on your yoga routine, before breakfast, five to six days a week.


Follow the basics mentioned here to have a healthy and balanced life:


Avoid the big seduction to only go with your strong points - like weight-lifting if you've got great muscles. It's the thing that's hardest for you that you need to work on the most.


Don't space out during workouts. Use that time to have a private conversation with yourself: 'How do I feel physically, mentally.' 'How is my balance and coordination today.' 'Is there something I should pay special attention to.


Practice yoga in the early morning or early evening at least one hour after a light meal or three to four hours after a main meal. If you are hungry before practice, try tea, milk or fruit juice.

#yoga #health #fitness #women

Superfoods for Fighting the Flu

  



 


Superfoods for Fighting the Flu 

Breakouts of the flu are responsible for millions of lost hours at both work and home each year, not to mention many miserable days trying to recover. If you’re wondering what you can do to naturally boost your immunity and prepare your body’s defenses, study the foods you’re eating, look at your family’s meals, and make the changes needed to ensure everyone is eating a well-balanced diet abundant in nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, low-fat proteins, and complex carbohydrates. 

Black currants are even richer in vitamin C than oranges, containing approximately three times the recommended daily intake for adults. It’s imperative that you get plenty of vitamin C since it helps prevent infections and helps keep the immune system healthy. 


Pork has high levels of zinc and selenium, both of which help keep your immune system strong. It’s also one of the best sources of B vitamins and contains only a little more total fat than beef. So be sure to include lots of pork entrees in your menu planning. 



Mix up your morning breakfast with a glass of grapefruit juice instead of orange juice for a vitamin C-rich drink that's both sweet and tart. However, you should check with your doctor if you're on certain medications for blood pressure, AIDS, anxiety, or hay fever, as mixing grapefruit juice with certain drugs can lead to dangerous toxicity.


Brussel sprouts are a great vegetable source of vitamin C, are high in fiber and contain lots of folate as well. They improve anticarcinogenic glucosinolates, which have important cancer-fighting properties. They’re a great addition in a stew to provide lots of fl-busting nutrients. 


Yogurt that includes live cultures has a positive effect on your GI tract, and as a result, helps the body purge the germs from the body more quickly and effectively and fight the flu. You want your yogurt to contain the active culture L. acidophilus, which is also helpful in fighting off yeast infections. 






Potatoes are one of the most affordable sources of vitamin C, and nicely complement any entrée with their high levels of potassium and fiber. The skin contains the most fiber and the flesh just under the skin contains the most vitamin C. Fresh potatoes are the best source of vitamin C. Be careful of how you choose to prepare them, as soaking them in water robs them of their germ-busting vitamin C. 


Whole wheat pasta is also rich in niacin, fiber, and iron. Its complex carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet that will keep your immune system strong. Simply substitute recipes calling for traditional pasta with the whole wheat variety instead for a delicious and nutritious twist on your favorite pasta dishes. 

#superfoods #food #flu #health #nutrition 


"Relaxing with a Mental PDA" Your 5 minutes daily program to Stress management

    


"Relaxing with a Mental PDA" Your 5 minutes daily program to Stress management

We all have this favorite expression when it comes to being stressed out, and I wouldn't bother naming all of them since it may also vary in different languages. But when it comes down to it, I think that it is how we work or even relax, for that matter that triggers stress. Ever been stressed even when you're well relaxed and bored? I know I have.


Since Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. is unavoidable in life, it is important to find ways to decrease and prevent stressful incidents and decrease negative reactions to stress. Here are some of the things that can be done by just remembering it, since life is basically a routine to follow like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. You can do a few of them in a longer span of time, but as they say-- every minute counts.


#fitness #health 

Managing time


Time management skills can allow you more time with your family and friends and possibly increase your performance and productivity. This will help reduce your stress.


To improve your time management:


- Save time by focusing and concentrating, delegating, and scheduling time for yourself. 

- Keep a record of how you spend your time, including work, family, and leisure time. 

- Prioritize your time by rating tasks by importance and urgency. Redirect your time to those activities that are important and meaningful to you. 

- Manage your commitments by not over- or undercommitting. Don't commit to what is not important to you. 

- Deal with procrastination by using a day planner, breaking large projects into smaller ones, and setting short-term deadlines. 

- Examine your beliefs to reduce conflict between what you believe and what your life is like. 

Build healthy coping strategies


It is important that you identify your coping strategies. One way to do this is by recording the stressful event, your reaction, and how you cope in a stress journal. With this information, you can work to change unhealthy coping strategies into healthy ones-those that help you focus on the positive and what you can change or control in your life.


#travel #vacation #health #medication #antibiotics 


Lifestyle


Some behaviors and lifestyle choices affect your stress level. They may not cause stress directly, but they can interfere with the ways your body seeks relief from stress. Try to:


- Balance personal, work, and family needs and obligations. 

- Have a sense of purpose in life. 

- Get enough sleep, since your body recovers from the stresses of the day while you are sleeping. 

- Eat a balanced diet for a nutritional defense against stress. 

- Get moderate exercise throughout the week. 

- Limit your consumption of alcohol. 

- Don't smoke. 


Social support


Social support is a major factor in how we experience stress. Social support is the positive support you receive from family, friends, and the community. It is the knowledge that you are cared for, loved, esteemed, and valued. More and more research indicates a strong relationship between social support and better mental and physical health.


Changing thinking


When an event triggers negative thoughts, you may experience fear, insecurity, anxiety, depression, rage, guilt, and a sense of worthlessness or powerlessness. These emotions trigger the body's stress, just as an actual threat does. Dealing with your negative thoughts and how you see things can help reduce stress.


  #gold #silver #money #investing 

- Thought-stopping helps you stop a negative thought to help eliminate stress. 

- Disproving irrational thoughts helps you to avoid exaggerating the negative thought, anticipating the worst, and interpreting an event incorrectly. 

- Problem solving helps you identify all aspects of a stressful event and find ways to deal with it. 

- Changing your communication style helps you communicate in a way that makes your views known without making others feel put down, hostile, or intimidated. This reduces the stress that comes from poor communication. Use the assertiveness ladder to improve your communication style. 


Even writers like me can get stressed even though we're just using our hands to do the talking, but having to sit for 7 or 8 hours is already stressful enough and have our own way to relieve stress. Whether you're the mail guy, the CEO, or probably the average working parent, stress is one unwanted visitor you would love to boot out of your homes, especially your life.

#health #stress #wellbeing #mentalhealth