121) MEN'S HEALTH-10 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

Corazones (Photo credit: Gustavo A. Rodríguez Nava)

Men just clam up and suck it in and that is when trouble starts.  Is this a valid statement?
When it comes to dealing with stress, men have the short end of the stick.  Women are built to withstand high stress because women release their frustrations by showing emotions such as anger or sadness or confiding in someone they trust.
The modern man has to work harder and smarter in a world that is moving so fast, he has no time to catch a breath.  Men experience high levels of stress day in and day out that cause them to develop heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, back pain and migraines.
The ways that men deal with their stress are to smoke, drink alcohol, overeat or take excessive drugs. These activities actually negates their attempts to get relief from their stress.
The side effect of too much stress

During the prehistoric times, men were basically hunters.  To feed his family, he has to hunt for food and sometimes he has to fight off wild animals to protect his family from harm.

In such situations, stress will trigger a fight or flight mechanism within his body.

• His heart rate will increase due to the adrenaline coursing through his blood stream to his brain and improves quick decision making
• Oxygen rich blood will be pumped into the large muscles of the arms and legs so that he is stronger and can be more agile.
• His blood sugar level will shoot up to give him a boost of energy. 
• Blood will clot more quickly in the event he is injured.

The modern day man does not hunt anymore.  Well, not like the ways his ancestors did to survive.  So what can a man do to prevent the build up of toxins in his body in these high tech world?

Main complications of persistent high blood pressure. . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are 10 ways to deal with the stress for men.

• Exercise at least 3 times a week  Exercise causes sweating which will get rid of unwanted toxins in the body that accumulates over time due to stress.  This in turn releases the negative energy and feelings of tension.  Not only that,  it promotes a healthy body.
• Eat Healthily and Get enough sleep  A balance diet that consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat, or fish will provide the essential nutrients and boost the immune system.  Sleeping early and for at least 6 to 8 hours will give the body time to rest and rejuvenate.  
• Caffeine and alcohol should be kept to a minimum or avoided as they will increase stress, feelings of depression and sleeplessness.
• Take at least 15 minutes anytime of the day for reflection, meditation, yoga or breathing exercises.  Make this your "me time" to clear your head and bring your body and mind to your center.  You will find that you will be more alert and ready to face life's challenges with renewed vigor.
• Get to the root of what is causing you to stress out.   When the cause is removed, your stress level will naturally lower.  You should ask for help if you cannot find the best solution to your problem.  Realizing that asking for help is not an indication of weakness on your part but a way to be proactive in solving your issues.  In doing so, it eliminates unwanted stress or prevent it from escalating out of control.  
• Don't put yourself in a sticky situation.  Men's stress levels will jump 60 per cent when they are caught in traffic jams.  Researchers found that this 7 times higher than the stress levels of women in the same condition.  To avoid the jam trap, avoid travelling during peak periods or holidays.  Do your shopping in the mornings or late in the afternoons where there is less crowd.  Have less contact with people who are annoying.
• Practice Patience and Acceptance.  When it rains, bring an umbrella.  If you get lots of lemons, make it into a delicious lemonade.  Be adept in turning a negative thought into a positive one does wonders to your inner mind.  Accept that the best thing to do when something is not within your control to to learn to let go, see the lighter side of things and laugh more.  Laughing is the best stress reliever any man, woman, child or animal has ever known.  Yes, animals do know how to laugh too!
• Don't bite off more than you can chew is a phrase you should always remember when taking on a task or making a promise.  You will automatically get stressed out if you cannot deliver what you have set out to do.  Learn to say no and avoid unnecessary tension which may involve another person such as your boss, spouse or friend.  Good relationships have been broken because of this.
• Prioritize and Plan. If the task at hand is a big project, plan and break it up into smaller and more manageable pieces.  Completing the task will not be so daunting and you get things done much faster and more effectively rather than trying to rush, do an ad hoc which will result in a poor quality delivery.
• Celebrate your successes.  The more you succeed in life, the more you should share the joy and be proud of  the milestones you have achieved.  However, be careful to keep your ego in check and remember to be always humble.  

If you were to read biographies of immensely successful people, you will find that they exude humility and wisdom.  This is why they can build a successful global empire and yet,  enjoy their fruits of labor without being stressed out.

source: http://www.everydayhealth.com

My next topic for discussion is off the beaten track but it may lead on to another health topic.

So stay tune!

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MY ART & POEM CORNER

Pebbles and stones, 

Of different tones.

Oval or Round.

Black or Brown.

Smooth or rough.

Oddly enough.

People collect,

pebbles and stones.

They like to select,

the smooth and round.

They like to select, 

if it's shiny and brown.

Do you like pebbles too? 

Or stones in black and blue?

Thanks for looking and taking the time to read my blog.  

Until my next post,

"Here's To Your Health!"