STRESS! We all have it and we all feel it from time to time. Yes some more than others. We also know how unhealthy it is for our mind, body and soul. Continually elevated levels of the stress hormone Cortisol is responsible for lower immune function and bone density, increased weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and can interfere with learning and memory functions. Chronically high levels have been linked to increase risk of depression, mental illness and a lower life expectancy.

So how can you “Stress less”. Here are my top 5 tips to becoming a WARRIOR and not a WORRIER.

1. Regular Physical Activity – Ever noticed how boxing, kick boxing or weight training make you feel alive, strong, and confident. High intensity exercise will recreate the Fight response while steady state such as Yoga, Pilates, walking etc will recreate the Flight response. Either way these are awesome at burning up Cortisol.                                         

2. Practice Mindfulness and Kindness – Mindfulness should be at the top of your daily ritual list. Taking just 5 minutes a day to focus on nothing but your breathing will quickly lower Cortisol levels and have you feeling much more relaxed. There are heaps of guided meditations available via Spotify and the app stores. Work your way up to 15 minutes a day and your body will be feeling very grateful. Practicing Kindness is something we should all do more of and it can range from simply smiling and saying hello to the person in the queue next to you, to maybe buying that homeless person you see every day a sandwich for lunch. It takes absolutely nothing to be kind, but the feeling of fulfillment and gratitude will help you to relax and feel better about yourself.

3. Find a Hobby – Something that is just for YOU, some you time. And while you are doing it turn off your mobile phone and remove any distractions. Being able to switch focus from everyday life can be difficult but we all need some self-care every now and then. It is important to be able to switch off and focus on something that brings you joy.

4. Focus on Food – Food can play a huge role in how we feel and the level of stress our physical and mental being is under. A diet should be rich in whole foods which are nutrient dense, rather than empty calories. Good quality wholefoods and water that are bio-available to the body can have a profound impact on the way your mind and body works. Try for 80% good, 20% not so good.

5. Sing like no one is watching – Ever noticed how happy and uplifted you feel when a great song comes on the radio. You could be cursing and swearing at the excessive amount of peak hour traffic but when that beat starts your attention is very quickly diverted. The guy in the car next to you might look at you strangely as you try and bust a few moves from the driver’s seat while your use the steering wheel as drums, but why should you care.

Today’s modern lifestyle is filled with situations that can cause STRESS. Many we have absolutely no control over, yet we worry anyway. Spending more time focused on ourselves, rather than others and looking for ways to improve our own lives will help you to reduce stress, feel more confident and live a healthy happier life.