Breathe & Connect – Stress Management

Breathe & Connect – Stress Management

Stress management is vital for a healthy, happy life. Not all stress is bad, sometimes it’s just a part of life – such as tension felt from positive pressure of workloads, deadlines, projects, etc. But when this type of stress becomes “overloaded” it can turn into distress.

Anything that crosses our boundaries emotionally, feels impossible or becomes downright painful can be distressful. And distress, especially chronically, can be debilitating. In order to reduce distress, it’s important to take the following steps:

  1. Recognize points of stress
  2. Determine which kind of stress they are
  3. Take effort into relieving the distress
  4. Utilize “positive stress” or eustress for your greater good

Depending on your stress types, I recommend different practices. All of these will provide benefits even momentarily, so give them a try “on the spot”.

“Overload” stress
Physically calming exercises

  • Mindful breathing
  • Stretching
  • Yoga
  • Walking
Anxiety/Worry
Endorphin stimulating exercises

  • Cardiovascular exercises
  • Strength training

If you suffer from chronic stress, I recommend adding these practices into your daily schedule. Benefits include:

  • Lower blood pressure and heart rate
  • Improved respiratory system
  • Regular digestive system
  • Consistent and restful sleep cycles
  • Calming the nervous system to restrict the production of stress hormones
  • Enhanced production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers and mood elevators

Remember, all bodies are different, so determining your best stress alleviation might be trying them on one at a time. It can’t be said enough though, that mindful breathing, stretching, or any movement is going to lower your stressed feelings and help you adapt to stress-loads as they come.

If you want to jump on this peaceful, easy feelin’ train try Woman’s Breathe and Connect class. You will be physically supported by props (blanket, pillow, bolster) as we will take you through 45 minutes of guided breathing. It may be so relaxing that it will slip you right into an afternoon nap! Breathe and Connect is offered at 4:00 pm Wednesday afternoons. See Fitness Membership Group Exercise Class Schedule »