Whether it’s due to work, family, health or the economy, we all struggle at one point or another with stress.  Though stress can be just a “part of life”, it’s critical to learn how to manage your stress effectively.  Why?  Because your mental and physical health depend on it!
 
According  to research, unmanaged and chronic stress can lead a range of serious physical problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure.  Furthermore, researchers believe that chronicly stressed individuals (you know who you are!), have elevated levels of unhealthy stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.  Another stress related down fall?  Chronic stress typicall leads to over-eating, increased alcohol intake and reduced sleep. This disastrous recipe can only lead to one thing: weight gain!   
So what can you do to ease stress and find a better piece of mind?  We asked our members and coaches the best kept de-stress secrets below.  Read on and learn more....

“I make my nutrition a priority and I eat balanced meals.  Sure, eating a half a box of cookies makes me feel better, but only for a minute or two.  The aftermath of overeating always causes me stress so I try my best to avoid it.”  Kelly, VN member, 30 years old

“Working out is my stress relief.  My job includes long hours- even weekends.  When I’m at the gym, I’ll lift weights or run and focus on just that.  On the days I work out I’m more prepared and less stressed.”  Jonathan, VN member 44 years old

“I see a physical therapist that specializes in myofascial release therapy and for me that session each week is my de-stress time.  I’m recovering from an injury, but any kind of body work (including massage) is proven to reduce stress.  Human touch and shutting your mind off for an hour can do wonders. I’m always encouraging my clients to invest in massage- aside from the physical benefits, it’s great for the mind too.”  Valerie Cogswell, VN Coach

“I learned to put things in perspective.  The sky isn’t going to fall if I don’t get to the laundry or clean every one of my kid’s dishes before bed.  I’ve learned that if I look at every task objectively, I can ask myself if it’s worth stressing over.”  Laurie, VN member, 38 years old

“I get my 7 hours of sleep every night.  I’ve learned from my nutrition coach that I need 7 hours and i’ve found that if I don’t get it, I’m tired, more stressed, groggy, hungrier, all the things I don’t need!  Sometimes I have to miss my favorite tv shows or stop working or doing “chores” a little earlier in the night than I want to, but I always remind myself it’s worth it.”  Ashley, VN member ,26 years old

“Acceptance.  If I can’t fix it myself then there’s no point in getting stressed out.  There’s things I can’t change in life and I’m okay with that.”  Jimmy 33, VN member, 33 years old.

“I’m learning to weed out what causes me stress each day and I try to avoid those things. For example, arguing with my co-workers and being stuck in traffic on the way home were major stressors in my life.  I now come up with a gameplan to avoid arguments at work and I found a faster route home.  I’m a problem solver by nature so I’m always looking for a solution.”  Christine, 38 years old