Good Article on Stress!

I found this really good article about stress while surfing the 'Net today:

https://apps.facebook.com/wpsocialreader/me/channels/75845/content/wrKkv?fb_action_ids=10150485545703663&fb_action_types=news.reads&fb_source=other_multiline


The article mainly deals with weird things that happen to the body when a person is very stressed out. I have heard of a few of them, such as the one about hair falling out, but there are a few others that surprised me! You should check it out for yourself though, as I don't want to spoil it for you. ^_^

Still, it is good to remember that stress increases the likelihood of becoming ill, having high blood pressure, getting more and more overweight from higher cortisol (which makes you stores more fat around your waist), and just makes you a pain in the butt to be around (think of your co-workers, friends, and family for heaven's sake!).

I am not a doctor but I do recommend that everyone try to just get out and take a walk, go for a swim, play with your pet or kids, watch a funny movie, and get more sleep! All these things have been shown to help with stress (especially any kind of exercise, even the light stuff like walking the family dog). So tell your stress to stuff it and relax a bit more! Oh, and go read that article I put at the top of this blog! ;)

Feeling Sleepy Yet?

Getting sleep is important because it helps keep your body rejuvenated, healthy, and fully ready to take on each new day.

Sleep is something most people do not get enough of due to the ridiculous amount of demands
made on the average working adult (or young adult). Just to make a living (or go to school) and still have a social life you often end up staying up late and waking up early.

The truth of the matter is that sleep is VERY important to the body and to your well being, period.

Getting more sleep means you will:

----be less irritable
----be more productive
----be happier
----be healthier
----get sick less often
----feel more energized
----feel better in general about life

Numerous studies and doctors will agree that sleep is extremely important. Still, taking sleep medication is not for everyone, so be sure to discuss your insomnia or sleep issues throughly before taking a prescription sleep aid. In fact before you try anything for help with sleep it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions (if you are on other medications, etc).

Still, if you are looking for a more natural route you could: drink a glass of warm (or cold) milk, a cup of herbal tea, take a warm shower/bath before bed, or read a book to ease you into a routine of sleep. Some other things that may help you sleep include taking a melatonin supplement and/or a magnesium supplement from your local health food store. (Of course, be sure to check with your doctor if you are on any medications before using these too!)

Also, this means avoiding bright lights from electronics (TV, computer, cell phones, bright ceiling lights) because this will just make you feel more awake and disturb your body's ability to slow down for the night (and create the much needed melatonin it needs to rest and repair).

So, even if it means putting the kids to bed earlier, not going to as many social events, or not taking on another project at work/extra credit projects at school it is important to get your sleep! After all if you do not take care of yourself then nothing else will end up getting 100% of your energy either!

Another article that discusses this in more detail can be found at (copy and paste the address, if the link does not work):
http://www.better-sleep-better-life.com/benefits-of-sleep.html