A few things that can relieve your stress

Stress happens everyday, whether it be from sitting in traffic, a conversation you just had, or a paper you are trying to finish. There are different types of stress (prolonged, unexpected, and unmanageable). Here are a few ways you can reduce stress:

a) Make sure you exercise. This helps reduce stress hormones. It counts as a antidepressant, fights anxiety, and works as a sleep aid for some people.
b) Elimination of drug use and no more than moderate alcohol use is important. Usually, people use drugs or alcohol as outlets when stressed, but these substances will actually make you feel more stressed.
c) Create predictability at home and at work as much as you can. It provides comfort and familiarity. Think ahead and anticipate the good and bad that could become realities.

A little bit of stress in life is fine. It actually can help ward off sicknesses, but it is possible to have too much stress in your life. If you are feeling overwhelmed, do these things that have been listed and you will start feeling better.

Things you can do to prevent getting sick

If you are worried about getting the H1N1 virus, here are a few things you can do to make yourself less susceptible:

1. Be careful about what you eat: Make sure you limit your sugar intake. Stay away from soda and juices.

2. Eat less Inflammatory Foods: Inflammatory foods (beef, pork, cheese, ice cream) are not good for your immune system because they create inflammation in your body and create higher levels of the stress hormone.

3. Eat more dark green vegetables: Eating other vegetables is a great idea, but brussel sprouts, broccoli, and spinach is the best idea. These foods will really help you to stay healthy.

4. Exercise for 30-45 minutes 3-5 times a week: If you exercise in shorter and better quality work outs, you’ll actually get a better boost in your metabolism and your immune system.

5. Get plenty of sleep: 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep EVERY night is ideal. This will really help repair and regeneration within your body. If you're having trouble sleeping, consider visiting a sleep center to determine whether you have a sleep disorder.

6. Get the H1N1 flu vaccine. Locate a H1N1 flu vaccination clinic near you or contact your public health department to find out where you can obtain one.

How to exercise while at work

Finding time to exercise is difficult for many people who are trying to work and have a family life. There are ways to fit exercise into your daily life at work which helps you to stay fit and helps keep up your energy.

The two most important things you can do everyday is park further away from the door so you add extra steps to and from work. Also, taking the stairs instead of the elevator is an easy way to stay active.

Here are some other options you can do while at work:
-Sit on an exercise ball instead of sitting on a chair. It helps strengthen your abs and back and also helps your posture.
-When you go to the bathroom, go to another floor so you can take the stairs.
-Move around every hour. Set an alarm if you need to, but just moving your arms or legs every hour can make you feel more alert.
-Leave something important in your car such as your lunch so you have to go and get it.
-When you need to give a coworker a message, do it in person if possible, not by email or phone.
-Make sure you are eating a healthy lunch. If you go out for lunch, park far away again.
-Move around while you talk on the phone (get a headset if needed).

Anything you can do to add movement to your day will help. Be as creative as you can to add a few extra steps or move around. Moving around in any way is better than not moving at all.

If you have your own office, you could always keep certain exercise equipment in a drawer (ankle weights, resistance band, and dumbbells). If you work in a more open area such as a cubicle, you can always use water bottles as dumbbells.

All of this will make you more alert and feeling good. Remember to be creative and this way, you don't have to schedule time in your day for a major work out!

Exercise can Boost your Mood for 12 Hours

Exercise is good for the body and for the mind. According to a new study, that feel-good effect obtained from exercise lasts longer than previously assumed.

"Moderate intensity aerobic exercise improves mood immediately and those improvements can last up to 12 hours," concluded study lead researcher Dr. Jeremy Sibold, assistant professor of rehabilitation and movement science at the University of Vermont, Burlington.

Experts believe that exercise's mood-boosting effects are partly due to a rise in levels of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, in the brain. While many have known for awhile that exercise boosts your spirits, it wasn't previously known how long that feel-good effect lasts.

The findings point yet again to exercise as a cheap, easily accessible tool against blue moods and even depression, Sibold said. "I think that's really important for the general public to know -- depression is so widespread."


2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Individuals should discuss an exercise program with their physicians.

(Source: MedlinePlus)