“Stress is the number one cause of death and disease in America”

Your body has a natural response to threats. If something dangerous is happening, your body will produce a chemical reaction to let you know that you need to run away or quickly react - the “fight or flight” response.

A long time ago the fight or flight response came in handy when we had to run from cheetahs, or protect our food source from a nearby tribe. Nowadays most of us experience the same fight or flight response when sitting in traffic, waiting at the bank, or having a heated conversation.

Any good health professional will tell you that a constant dumping of adrenaline or cortisol in the body in extremely damaging to the physical body. It can cause all sorts of health problems including physical dysfunction, sleep deprivation, brain fog, anxiety and depression to name just a few.

Today stress is also referred to as a “mental and emotional pressure”. In the context of imminent danger, stress acts as a protection mechanism which is a good thing, but too much stress in your life will most cause definitely physical and emotional harm.

Here are 10 action steps you can implement now to significantly reduce the stress in your life.

1. Eat for your body type and exercise regularly.

2. At least once a day, stop what you are doing and acknowledge all of the things in your life that you are grateful for. (Don’t knock it, till you try it. )

3. Each morning just as you wake and each night before you go to bed, do some deep breathing. Breathe in deeply for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts and exhale slooowly for 4 counts. Do 2 sets of 10 at least twice a day.

4. Chunk down your problems into bite size pieces. This will avoid overwhelm and you will be much more effective in finding solutions to your problems.

5. Don’t suppress your emotions. Avoid pushing your emotions down to fester and explode at some unknown time in the future. Be true to yourself. Recognize and accept your feelings. Don’t resist them.

6. Avoid alcohol, drugs, caffeine, too many sugars and any other harmful stimulants. These WILL increase the stressors in your body.

7. Meditate regularly. Research has shown that people who meditate have significantly less stressors in their life and are much more creative and effective under pressure.

8. Engage in activities that make you feel good like getting a full body massage, doing a Yoga class, taking a long soak in the tub or working out at the gym.

9. Develop Mindfulness and regularly reframe your thinking. Become the observer of your thoughts and direct your focus to find the silver linings. Regularly ask yourself ‘is my thinking aligned with a positive stress-free outcome? If not, change your thinking so it ALWAYS has a positive outcome.

10. Develop effective time management strategies. Set realistic time frames. Balance play with work. Make time for rest and relaxation. Under promise and over deliver so you don’t get overwhelmed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Michelle Armstrong

Using the principles she teaches, Michelle went from being in an unsatisfying career, depression, frustration and $60,000 in the red, to a career she loves and is passionate about, and six figures in the black.

Michelle is the President and founder of Mind Management, an organization that teaches business professionals how to have a passionate and lucrative career by increasing their effectiveness.

Michelle is a powerful Business Effectiveness Coach and dynamic motivational speaker. She is the author of ‘Manage Your Mind, Master Your Life’ and creator of The Armstrong Method™ –6 revolutionary steps to success.