As an attorney, stress comes with the job. Whether it’s working 70 hours a week or trying to balance the obligations of work and family, it’s very easy to become overly stressed. It’s imperative that you do whatever it takes to unwind. A consistent, high level of stress not only takes its toll on your mental health but can also wreak havoc on your physical health. Here are five stress solutions that you can easily incorporate into your life.
Foods that Reduce Stress
It has been proven that there are foods that can reduce stress. By eating the right foods, you will also find that your stress levels do not rise to the heights that they normally would. These foods include oranges, sweet potatoes, dried apricots, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, turkey, spinach, salmon, avocados and green vegetables. The vitamins and minerals contained in these foods can help reduce blood pressure, maintain a consistent energy level and boost your immune system.
Exercise
Regular exercise is the perfect stress reducer. Exercise can also prevent the effects of stress. By making time for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times per week will keep your blood pressure under control and give your immune system a boost. If you’ve had a particularly difficult day, head to the gym after work to release your stress by utilizing a punching bag, taking a kick boxing class or running on a treadmill. By the time you’ve completed your work out your stress will have melted away.
Avoid Stimulants
Many attorneys consume energy drinks or coffee throughout the day to stay alert and focused. Caffeine and sugar can often have the opposite of the desired effect. Coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks and sugary snacks provide a temporary energy boost that ends with a crash. Most people feel worse an hour or two after consuming caffeine or sugar than they did beforehand. By eliminating caffeinated drinks and added sugar from your diet, both your mood and energy level will remain more consistent.
Set Aside Time to Relax
If you are working long days, give yourself a five or ten minute break every four hours to do nothing but relax. Turn down the lights in your office, look out over the city or listen to soft music on your Smartphone. Giving yourself these small breaks will help you recharge and reduce your stress.
Sleep Well
Establishing a bed time ritual works for adults as well as it does for children. Whether it’s reading a chapter in your favorite book, relaxing in a warm tub or sipping a hot cup of decaffeinated tea, doing the same thing every night just prior to bed will help transition your mental state. Rid your bedroom of all distractions: television, computer, radio and even your briefcase. Your bedroom should be dedicated to your sleep and nothing else. With getting enough sleep, your body and mind will wake up refreshed.
Every person feels stress and reacts to it in a different way. In the same vein, every person reduces stress differently. The key to reducing your stress to maintainable levels is in finding what relaxes you. By adding healthy foods to your diet, exercising regularly and sleeping well, you can reduce the effects of stress and may prevent it altogether.
Author Genevieve Pomilia is a nutritional consultant and fitness expert. She strongly recommends the mediterranean diet meal plan for great family health and active lifestyles. Check here for a free acid reflux diet plan.
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