Managing Stress… The Importance of Self-Care
Susan is a client-centered practitioner; using integrative modalities, education and advocacy to support clients in establishing and
obtaining their individual health and wellness goals. She is passionate about educating and empowering individuals with self-care
choices and strengthening healthy coping skills and lifestyles.
Your self-care strategy should reflect what you want to have in your life – clear thinking, strong body, restful sleep, healthy appetite, meaningful social life, [fill in the blank].
When was the last time you made time for self-care? I’m talking about time alone, tending only to your wants, needs and desires, without having any other person to answer to. When was the last time you were the receiver and not “the giver”? Can’t remember? Then day-dream. What would you do if given the opportunity to relax, renew and recharge your batteries?
Self-care is the difference between merely surviving and actually thriving.
Fact: There are 168 hours in each week.
Question: When are you going to make you a priority and schedule even one hour for self-care during this 168 hour week?
Why is self-care so important? Read on.
Stress kills from the inside out. Current research indicates that 80-90% of all doctor visits are stressed based. Stress defines the American way of life. And there is much to stress over; the economy, job stability, juggling work schedules with family responsibilities. Our to-do lists are never ending.
Many of us are unaware of the actual damage that chronic stress places on our bodies, minds and spirits. Stress comes with a high personal cost and may potentially put you at risk for any of the following:
Now that i have your attention: Having an awareness of the potential health problems that are associated with stress gives you the power to make a conscious choice to implement strategies that can maintain and/or improve your well-being.
When was the last time you made time for self-care? I’m talking about time alone, tending only to your wants, needs and desires, without having any other person to answer to. When was the last time you were the receiver and not “the giver”? Can’t remember? Then day-dream. What would you do if given the opportunity to relax, renew and recharge your batteries?
Self-care is the difference between merely surviving and actually thriving.
Fact: There are 168 hours in each week.
Question: When are you going to make you a priority and schedule even one hour for self-care during this 168 hour week?
Why is self-care so important? Read on.
Stress kills from the inside out. Current research indicates that 80-90% of all doctor visits are stressed based. Stress defines the American way of life. And there is much to stress over; the economy, job stability, juggling work schedules with family responsibilities. Our to-do lists are never ending.
Many of us are unaware of the actual damage that chronic stress places on our bodies, minds and spirits. Stress comes with a high personal cost and may potentially put you at risk for any of the following:
- Decreased immunity: due to increased blood levels of corticosteroids and adrenaline
- Weight gain or loss: due to changes in appetite, blood glucose levels, fatty acid levels and the stomach’s production of serotonin.
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular Disease: Increased serum corticosteroids make platelets “stickier” which may increase your risk of blood clots.
- Diabetes: Blood glucose increases so the brain & body can effectively react to the real or perceived threat. Insulin is released in an attempt to regulate blood glucose levels
- Depression/Anxiety: Stress affects the neurotransmitters that regulate mood/mental health
- Insomnia
- Self-medication with alcohol, prescriptions, over-the-counter and/or illegal drugs.
Now that i have your attention: Having an awareness of the potential health problems that are associated with stress gives you the power to make a conscious choice to implement strategies that can maintain and/or improve your well-being.
