By Tiffany Ferrari - Fitness on the Move, Inc.

Our observation is that many people feel stressed on a regular basis. Chronic stress is a leading cause of many diseases and weight challenges. If you think you are experiencing chronic stress, this article is intended to help you figure out how stressed you are and what you can do to improve your stress level and overall health and well-being.

If you have never taken a Life Stress Test, it is a good thing to do from time to time. If you Internet search Life Stress Test, there are a whole bunch (all should be free). Essentially, what you will discover is that it takes only a few minor stressors to GREATLY increase the chances of physical problems.

The Fitness on the Move team is concerned because many people take on responsibility for family, career, home, school, pets, and friends... then, when challenges arise, our own personal health and well-being is the last item on our "To Do" list.

Our personal practice includes making a commitment to scheduling our needs first, simplifying our lives, and being selective about how many things we take on. We invite you to commit to some new, healthy changes if you need them.

Here's to your Health and Well-Being.

Signs of Stress

Are you aware of what they are?

• Snapping - feeling a little intolerant? There sure are a lot more people raising their voices, even in public places.

• Tension in the car? - Experiencing seemingly endless road obstacles? What's the response... horns, fingers and shouts behind the glass.

• More coffee, more sugar, more wine and more snacks - Are you using any to "get through the day?"

• More shopping and spending to relieve stress? Higher credit balances, increased interest rates... need we say more?

• Back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, sore feet... signs of holding stress in the body, which actually cause more stress in the body, too.

• Are you sleeping? Too much, too little, nightmares, trouble breathing?

Solutions to Ease Stress

If you have the signs of stress, here are some suggestions for you:

• Have you seen a professional? Massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, therapist, trainer, coach, organizer. Anyone of these healthy professionals should help.

• Ask us for a referral if you do not know any of these professionals.

• Water - a bath, spa, pool, beach... get in or near some water, it calms and soothes.

• We can provide a fun pool workout for you or hold your sessions near the water.

• Yoga, relaxation, breathing techniques, biofeedback... anything like this to calm the mind and the body.

• Ask about our current Yoga sessions or we can provide personal training Yoga in your home.

• Eating better... calming foods include whole grains in the evening (brown rice, quinoa, millet), herbal tea (calm & sooth blends).   Roasted baby potatoes are a good "comfort" food but still good for you.

• Talk with our Nutritionist for a variety of great tasting ideas.

• Exercise... or even better, movement... walk with the family (a walk date with friends), walk the dog. Try something new!

• We can give you professional recommendations for fun, new ideas that work for YOUR lifestyle and circumstances.

• "Laughter IS the best medicine." Rent a comedy, see a comedian, put bunny ears on the dog (any animal costume will do).         Just be sure to crack up with laughter as often as possible.

• We love to have fun and laugh, if you have a great joke please pass it along. :)

• Sleep... if you are REALLY having trouble sleeping, see a hypnotherapist, participate in a sleep study or visit a sleep center.       Sleep is critical. Please rest well.

• Ask us if you need a referral or need breathing techniques meant for relaxation and sleep.

Call or e-mail us if you need more suggestions. We would LOVE to hear what you do to reduce stress.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 858-566-7951, Ext.5.