5 Action Steps to Reduce Mental Stress

Now that the brisk winds, sleet, and snow have subsided (so we’ve been told) here is no better time than now to have a yard sale, plant a garden, clean out our pantries and cabinets (SPRING CLEANING Week 1), start a functional workout egime (SPRING CLEANING Week 2), and reduce the day to day stress in our life (SPRING CLEANING Week 3). 

Over the past two weeks you have been given the tools for proper nutrition, and physical health; now let’s clean out some of the mental stress that has been taking up space in our life.

For the next five days let’s focus on some action steps to move towards optimal health by reducing our mental stress.

Day 1: Laugh a Little

TIP FOR THE DAY:

1. Spend time with your group of friends.  As Shawn Achor points out in “The Happiness Advantage,” spending time with  strong social support group is a key factor in an individuals happiness.
2. Make the time to laugh with friends…it really works, we promise!

Day 2: Minimizing “Techno-stress”

TIPS FOR THE DAY: 

1. Schedule a time to check your emails; do not check messages as they come in.  Also turn off your email “ding” alert.  Obnoxious sounds have a profound effect on your nervous system.
2. Schedule dinner with the family or working out, create “cell phone free zones.”

Day 3: Time Management 

TIP FOR THE DAY:

1. Tonight before you go to sleep, or early in the morning, take ten minutes to properly plan your day (by doing this you will save yourself an hour of busy work). What should go on your “to do list” are the 5, 6, or 7 things you must do today and prioritize them so that the most important things are done first.

Day 4: Breathe

TIPS FOR THE DAY:

1. Pick a ten minute period throughout the day to rest and ease your mind.  During this ten minute period, engage in some deep belly breathing (inhaling in your nose and exhaling out your mouth).  This will help replenish the oxygen supply to your brain while reducing stress hormones.
2. Every time you get out of a chair, make sure to do Life Extension Exercises.  (Ask us how to do these!) 

Day 5: Optimum Function

TIP FOR THE DAY:

1. Your nerve system is your master system. It controls all systems in your body. Get your spine and nerve system checked to ensure optimal health and function. Your life depends on it.

Visit our website to learn more about Franson Family Chiropractic and the BonfireHealth program.