For The HalfSquare Man

by Jon Fiume
June 23, 2006

Feeling the heat man???

Men and stress. How do they handle it? Often times it is ignored, it is the macho thing to do right? Men are to be tough guys who can take the brunt of it all. But do we really need to? We all know that stress when left to its own devices can lead to disease. Finding a stress release is key! This month I offer some tips to reducing stress and hopefully enjoy life a little more.

Deep breaths at the desk.
And we are not talking Yoga here! Taking a few deep breaths allows you to clear your thinking before reacting. You will be surprised just how much more you are on your game, and how things stay maintained versus being out of control. This little thing can make the difference between being reactive and proactive.

Come up with a game plan.
Plan your day the night before, or first thing in the morning. You will be more apt to handle changes that come your way and not be too stressed when things do not go as planned.

Take a hike!
Okay maybe not to Mt. Everest, but literally, during the work day, take a few moments to walk outside, cleanse the mind, and regroup. This "hiking" can also be applied at home including during many of those close "family" events. It is a "time out" for you!

Laugh even more than you do now.
It goes without saying, laughter is one of the best forms of medicine and it does not cost anything! Look for those reasons to laugh.

Decrease the consumption of the wings, chips, and hot dogs.
Consider a healthier alternative. Healthier foods, including those dreaded vegetables, provide the body with energy and the mind with clarity. When we consume an over abundance of junk food including products laden with sugar we feel like well... junk! This junk feeling is driven from the absence of valuable nutrients, and the ups and downs of our blood sugar levels. Have you ever wondered why you feel the way that you do after eating a candy bar or consuming a pop when you have not had anything else healthy?

Beer is good but water is better!
Water will cleanse your systems and flush out many of the unwanted toxins. One half your weight in ounces is highly recommended. In addition, you may also find that water makes you feel full, and therefore, you may not want to eat as much. A little diet trick!

Don't forget to stick to your supplement plan.
Keep up with your multivitamin - chock full of B vitamins - your calcium and magnesium, essential fatty acids, and any other support nutrients. In addition, if need be, consider Siberian Ginseng or the amino acid tyrosine for additional stress control. Both of these supplements aid in supporting the adrenal glands also known as stress glands. Once these glands are blown out from stress, the fatigue sets in and you are therefore open to other additional health issues.

Heed warning gentlemen. Controlling our stress is crucial to a healthy body and a healthy mind. Turn down the machismo, try a few of these practices and notice the difference!

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of your current healthcare program or advice from you healthcare professionals.