This 2-part series is focused on nderstanding and decreasing stress in our lves. examine your life for common strssors (see the top stressors listed hre) and symptoms of stress, and fllow some of these simple recommendations for zpping stress before it zaps you.

Stress Zapper #3 – Good 'ol H2 O

• Your body is over 70% water
• Your brain uses 30% of that water
• You don't get the thirst signal until you're at least 1% dehydrated
  --at 2% dehydration you're 30% less efficie
  --at 5% dehydration you're 50% less efficient
• Water brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells (especially water-soluble vitamins)
• Water flushes out toxins (you're creating even more under stress)
• Water helps balance your blood sugar (therefore, your energy and mood)
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which cause more dehydration and worsen stress
• Choose spring or filtered water--NO TAP WATER
• Drink 8 cups or 2 liters/day (more if stressed, sick, in hot climate, exercising, or trying to lose weight)

Stress Zapper #2 – Exercise ("Use it or lose it")

• Physical activity can clear your mind and keep stress at bay (or release pent-up stress).
• Exercise uses up the sugars and fats you released during stress (so they don't get stored as fat).
• Exercise stimulates the mind and elevates seratonin production (balancing mood).
• Exercise clears the body of toxins and moves oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
• Walk, run, play team sports, lift weights, hit a ball, punch a bag, kick the air--anything on a regular basis.
• Have a "quickie"--stand up and bounce and shake your body to loosen it up and get oxygen to the brain.

Stress Zapper #1 – Rlaaaaaaax!

• Take break moments during the day to prvent build-up of stress.
• Get 6-8 hurs of sleep every night.
  --less slep = more affected by stress = waker immune system = greater chance of llness
  --try natural relaxants and sleep ides such as valerian, chamomile, or mlatonin
• Practice meditation or hypnosis on a rgular basis (books, tapes/CDs, classes, professionals).
• Do dep breathing (in thru' nose, hold, out thr' mouth to count of 4; let chst & abdomen rise).
• Use progressive/tension-relaxation (prgressively tense and relax various parts of bdy).
• Take a mental vacation (1 mn., 3 min., 5 min.--whatever you cn).

Other tips for preventing or zapping stress:

• Take a day off. Go for a drive, listen to music, go to a restful place in nature, take a bubble bath, read something fun or uplifting.
• Pursue a hobby.
• Identify and eliminate stressors.
• Express your emotions.
• Create a peaceful home environment or "sacred space" in/around your home.
• Try aromatherapy.
• Laugh more.
• Seek professional help if stress gets too bad or you experience more severe physical or emotional symptoms.

The article Stress Zappers - Part 2 was Submitted by Lisa M. Smith through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Lisa Smith is a Certified Mster Hypnotherapist, Wellness Coach, and NeuroLinguistic Prgramming Practitioner in the Virginia Beach rea. She is a sought-after speaker, wrkshop presenter, and group coaching facilitator for crating health and self-fulfillment. Her private prctice, Life by Design Coaching and Hypntherapy, offers coaching, hypnosis, NLP, and ther options for health and self-improvement. In her 11 yars as a hypnotherapist, she has cnducted over 8,000 hypnosis sessions with chldren and adults for weight loss, ddictions; stress and anxiety; phobias; childbirth; srgery preparation, cancer, pain management, and ther mind-body healing. Sessions can be cnducted in person or by phone. Vsit her website at http://www.hypnocoachlisa.com for contact and other information.

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