How to De-Stress?

I’m wondering what you do to maintain your health? I work out every day and watch what I eat, but getting shingles was unexpected.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading, and asking, about better health and heard the following:

  • Practice mediation
  • See an acupuncturist
  • Go vegan
  • Avoid processed foods
  • Do a juice cleanse

I have done a few things to change my behavior.

First, I did buy a juicer. I saw a pretty cool documentary called “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,” whereby the subject of the film loses 100 pounds by drinking only vegetable and fruit juice for 60 days. Now, I’m not overweight, but I have to admit: I feel great when I supplement my diet with some healthy juice. Here’s the video trailer:

Second, I’ve tried to be more aware of stress.  I certainly didn’t feel stressed a few weeks ago before I became sick, but I was feeling pretty down. Clearly, obviously I was stressed and didn’t realize it. So, I’m trying to monitor that internal dialogue in my head and try not to be so upset at the little things in life that I cannot control (like bad traffic, annoying conversations, etc.). I’m also going to pray more.

Third, I did see an acupuncturist. It was pretty freaky, but also pretty cool.

Fourth, I’m adding super foods to my diet. One is chia seeds, which are very nutritious. Here’s a good NYT article on the health benefits. I’m also trying to eat more raw, green vegetables. Along those lines, I’m avoiding potatoes, white flour and white rice as much as possible (and, the ensuing rapid spikes in blood sugar). I’m gunning for more whole grains.

Last, I’m going to use my iPhone less. Brad Feld has a great post, and it made me think about my own usage. Over time, I definitely felt more chained to the phone, and needing that little rush of adrenalin while swiping the screen. I want to break that habit and not be so obsessive. I love my job, but I think there’s a way to do good work without being a slave to a phone.

What do you do to de-stress?

3 thoughts on “How to De-Stress?

  1. The two biggies that I do that seem to be missing from this list are (a) sleep more and (b) exercise. Very few of us sleep enough. When I’m stressed and/or depressed, I usually just need more sleep. It’s surprisingly effective.

    1. Great suggestions. I’ve read that the body gets rid of cortisol, the stress hormone, primarily through sleep and exercise. I work out every day, but admittedly, I’m not getting enough sleep. Gotta work on it.

      Hope you’re well, Brad….

  2. Hang in there, Jo… pulling for you, and let me second Brad’s suggestion of sleep. When I consistently get 7.5 hours or better, no illnesses. If I consistently get 7 or less, even for a week, it’s just a matter of time before I get a cold.

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