There is a very simple formula for preventing
stress so you can relax. BREATHING + FOOD +
EXERCISE + SLEEP + CONFIDENCE + LAUGHTER =
RELAXATION
Proper BREATHING is the first step to preventing
stress, because you cannot get angry when you are
breathing deeply. Take a COMPLETE DEEP BREATH
several times during the day, and you will notice
the difference. It's easy & free. Be aware of your
breathing during the day. Take those deep breathes.
An added benefit may be weight loss. You take in
great amounts of oxygen when you gobble your food.
When you breathe deeper more often, the body will
take the oxygen from the air instead of food. Thus
your appetite will decrease, so you can lose weight.
The body will make better and more efficient use of
the oxygen. Because of this proper breathing, you
will feel better, the metabolism speeds up, and helps
control weight.
Another step to preventing stress is in your
refrigerator. Three types of FOOD affect you three
different ways. One type makes you feel very emotional
and high strung. These foods are stimulants and can
be addictive. They include; eggs, all meats, spices,
coffee, tea, salt, sugar. Too much of these foods
will leave you feeling uptight and nervous. There are
foods that leave you feeling listless, dull, and
susceptible to illnesses. These are the imitation,
overripe, and rotten foods. Instant and processed
foods include; instant potatoes, candies, cookies,
snacks, crackers, most cereals, pretzels, soft drinks.
The third type of foods are relaxing. These are the
foods that nature made without tampering from man;
whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, herbs.
Remember this guideline: If nature didn't make it,
you don't need it. Try it for a while and you will
feel a difference. Your body and mind will thank you.
With proper breathing and proper food, your body will
feel better and want to be used. The body wears out
faster from disuse, than use. The greatest enemy of
the body, mind, and stress is the television, sofa,
and car.
EXERCISE Feeling better will lead to activity and
exercise, because you will have more energy.
Exercising on a regular basis promotes efficient
breathing, relieves tension, increases circulation,
lowers blood pressure and heart rate, keeps you more
alert, and makes you sleep better . An appropriate
exercise program should include exercises for strength
(machines & weight training), endurance ( aerobics ),
and flexibility ( calisthenics & yoga) .
With regular exercise, SLEEP becomes easier. It is
better quality, which means you should need less sleep.
This will give you more energy and time to do other
things. Here you are usually better off with quality
than quantity. It will ward off tension and help you
to relax. A relaxation break (deep breathing) during
the day can provide you with better rest to help you
need less sleep.
When you are unsure of yourself, you become nervous,
upset, and tense which are enemies of stress.
CONFIDENCE comes from believing in yourself. Examine
yourself and find out why you are putting yourself
down. You will probably realize there is no good
reason for it. Just pretend and visualize confidence
long enough and you will be confident. Read and listen
self-improvement books and tapes. 'This formula does
work, when you put it to work. Practice, get in the
habit, and it will become automatic.
Everyone agrees LAUGHTER is great medicine. Literally
it is. When you laugh your internal organs are being
massaged. It is good is for your body, mind, and
spirit. Good jokes and funny stories all around,
everywhere. Take it easy on yourself and don't take
your take yourself and life so seriously. Enjoy
yourself!
