Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Not enough time, not enough money!! How to manage a busy life without Burning Out...
Nearly everyone I know is trying to do more with less and in less time. More than ever, today the harmful, toxic effects of stress seem to be taking their toll on people's lives and health. I see this most in my female cleints, who have a high level of responsibility; high stress jobs, long work hours, are moms, juggling job with kids and schooling, athletic and music activities, managing the running of a clean, inviting home, laundry, keeping the pantry shelves stocked with healthy foods, finding quality intimate time with their significant other, AND finding to take care of themselves. I got dizzy just typing all that!! :)
I am a walking poster child for the effects of long term stress, as in 1993, after 20+ years of "burning my candle at both ends", with a high stress job, being a single mom, and two stints at night college, I one day collapsed and was unable to get out of bed. I ignored the little signs my body gave me, so this time the Universe made my "wake up call" like a huge lightening bolt. This collapse left me with high blood pressure, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. I truly believe that I would not be alive today had I not found Juice Plus+, and made a career change.
The reactions of physical stress manifest as a dramatically increased heart rate, with muscles contracting to the point of fatigue and pain. Arteries constrict, increasing Blood Pressure. Breathing becomes quick and shallow to supply more oxgyen. Blood becomes thicker to facilitate blood clotting in case of injury. Sustained over a long period, these conditions are potentially deadly. Our stress response is designed to facilitate short term survival. However, the longer the stress response continues the more we are at risk of not only burnout, but also life threatening diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
SIGNS OF BURNOUT & EXHAUSTION:
- Prolonged Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
- Indigestion
- Loss of Libido
- Inability to concentrate
- Feeling your life is out of control
- Feeling overwhelmed by relative small tasks
- Inability to make decisions, even about very small things
- Being consistently late for appointments
- Inability to perform normal daily duties/routine
STRESS BUSTERS!!:
- Keep your immune system operation at peak performance and balanced by eating Juice Pus+ each and every day!
- Get out of the office for lunch - go outside and enjoy nature - take your shoes off and walk in the grass
- Get a weekly massage
- Avoid Caffeine- coffee, soft drinks, etc.
- Slow down - less is more
- EXERCISE - a 30-60 minute walk each day is sufficient
- Laugh often
- Name at least one good thing that happened today, bless it and give thanks for it
- Take a computer break at least once an hour
- Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day!
- Listen to soothing music
- Take a Yoga class
- BREATH - slowly and deeply
- Turn off the TV, the cell phone, the computer and other electronic gadgets as often as possible
- Try Aromatherapy - theraputic grade essential oils like Young Living - Lavendar, Clary Sage
Please let me know if there is any way I can be of service to you in living a stress free life!
Here's to your good health and longevity!