Wellness Wednesday

Be realistic: Set limits. Say no to extra responsibility or activities if feeling overwhelmed.

Stop being a superhero: No one is perfect so don’t expect that from yourself or others. What really needs to get done? Is a deadline realistic? Ask for help when needed.

Take one thing at a time: When feeling overwhelmed by many tasks, pick one urgent task. Complete one task before moving onto another.

Be flexible: Arguments can lead to more stress. Try to come to an understanding with others. They will usually meet you half way.

Go easy on the criticism: Expectations for self and others can be too high, setting people up to fail.

Share feelings: Stay in touch with people! Friends can provide a sounding board, show support and provide guidance.

Exercise: Regular aerobic exercise will bring remarkable changes to your body, your metabolism, your heart, and your spirits. It has a unique capacity to exhilarate and relax, to provide stimulation and calm, to counter depression and dissipate stress.

Meditation: Quiet reflection and thinking about positive things or nothing at all can help relieve stress.

Massage: An increasing number of research studies show massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins.

Progressive muscle relaxation: Is an example of a deep relaxation technique that can be used to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, insomnia, and certain types of chronic pain. In progressive muscle relaxation, you tense a group of muscles as you breathe in, and you relax them as you breathe out.