Stress, both good stress (like exercise) and bad stress (like processed food, pollution, and emotional upset), changes the way your body responds to everything. If you’re trying to stay healthy, build muscle, or lose fat, minimizing the toxic kind of stress – let’s call it the bottom 50% of that bad kind of stress – is so important. Let’s try:
1. Nourishment
Getting enough high-quality sleep, eating a variety of foods that are rich in anti-oxidants, breathing well, spending time with people, hobbies, and animals that you love, and consuming uplifting media content are all great ways to nourish yourself and ward off extra stress. Fill your emotional bank account with good stuff!
2. Remove it from your to-do list
Get it done or, if it’s been lagging on there, ask:
Does this really need to be done?
Am I starting at the right place? Do I need to start with a smaller task? What is my roadblock?
Those unfinished tasks lurking in the shadowy corners of your brain are stressing you more than you know – clear out the literal and mental clutter!
3. Change your point of view
Before you react, ask:
Is this really an emergency?
How much do I want to spend on this from my emotional bank?
What if I don’t?
Who else could handle this instead of me?
You do not have to save anyone but yourself.
Come get some nourishment (step 1)….
- Wednesday 7pm Zumba at Jerabeck Athletic Center (free; second floor dance studio, street parking)
- Saturday 9:30am Zumba at Montrose Collective (free; 888 Westheimer, street/garage parking, stay for gluten-free brunch at Picnik if you want, and make sure to use your Zumba discount at the Plant Project!) – orange and black for 10/28!
- Sunday 9am Zumba (free, meets at Levy Park – 3801 Eastside) – COSTUMES on 10/29!
- Monday 6:30pm Zumba (free, meets at Levy Park – 3801 Eastside) – spooky spiders and skeletons on 10/30!
