Written by Apryl Zarate Schleuter, Finding Success in Balance explores the real meaning of work-life balance while simultaneously finding success in all areas of life. On a self-proclaimed mission to make this world a happier and more positive place, Schleuter helps readers to champion their own strengths and learn to self-advocate.
Stress management is such a huge part of health and wellness that it is of utmost importance.
Stress management can be quite challenging, but it is essential to your health and well-being. While fitness and nutrition are among the most important tools to use, there are a number of other practices and things to consider in decreasing your overall level of stress. For instance, getting enough sleep is also very important. Busy people have a tendency to run on all cylinders throughout the day, which, without adequate rest, will negatively affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sleep is the time when your body gets to slow down and build up energy for the following day.
Have you ever gone to sleep really late and woken up early feeling sluggish, reaching for a cup or two of coffee just to make it through the day? As you think about work-life balance, also consider a “sleep-awake” balance. The recommended time for sleep is approximately seven to nine hours a night, depending on your age and genetics. When you don’t allow yourself that time, your body will eventually force you to play “catch up” (such as sleeping for ten to twelve hours, or taking naps), or it will send you a different signal that could manifest as a more serious health issue.
The Author’s Techniques to manage stress are:
- Meditation: This practice didn’t excite me, but when I kept an open mind, the first time I tried it, I found, “The Cheerful Mind.” Now when I feel tense, nervous, or afraid, I take a few deep breaths and clear my mind. Sometimes I will lean on a friend to lead me through a guided meditation.
- Yoga: As an alternative to silent meditation, it’s a form of active meditation that can one can do to multitask with a workout, which is always a plus!
- Acupuncture: This is a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that addresses a wide range of conditions, but can be effective for stress management as well. What I feel is great about this method as an alternative to meditation is that you are generally forced to lie still (and you definitely don’t want to mess with the needles!) and you can even get a little bit of extra sleep.
- Massage: Stress is often felt in the muscles, especially after prolonged exercise. A massage promotes relaxation and well-being, and relieves that tension.
- Chiropractic: Usually people consider this form of alternative medicine primarily to address back pain, but it also is a form of stress management because if your body is misaligned, that negatively affects your mental and physical states and prevents you from being productive.
There are surely other methods of reducing stress, but again, it’s important to find which method works best for you. Try a few different techniques and notice what works and what doesn’t, depending on your situation. And most importantly, remember that stress can never be completely eliminated. But actively working to accommodate and adapt to it will set you up for success.
Finding Balance in your life and leading a happy and stress-free life has become very difficult these day. But through this book, one can start their journey on this road.