How Do You Spell R-E-L-I-E-F?

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” ~Thomas Edison

My father had this quote hanging on the wall of his chiropractic office for many years. My brother now has it hanging in his chiropractic office. I truly believe in Edison’s words. We can prevent so many aches, pains and ailments by taking care of our “human frame.” That of course includes diet and exercise, but today I want to address how we can decrease our stress levels by doing a few simple things.

The medical field is now stating that 80 percent of disease is stress-related. Prolonged stress on the body can manifest adverse effects such as high blood pressure, heart disease, muscle pain, changes in blood sugar, headaches, colitis, anxiety disorders, and ulcers.

The stress, or perceived stress in our lives can cause many different levels of anxiety and fear. Much of how stressed or non-stressed we are is a choice. If we allow the stress to settle in and grow, it can easily manifest as physical problems. We need to proactively take steps to ward it off. Like Edison, I believe it is all about prevention. So, to prevent many diseases we need to take ourselves out of stressful situations. Or if we cannot get out of the situation at the time, at least we can change our perception of it. How do we do that? How do we let go of stress?

To help you out with those questions I’ve listed some tried and true tension relievers:

• Do one thing at a time. Yes, it’s really good for you to NOT always multitask!
• Write in your journal.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Then, of course, allow others to help you.
• Plan ahead. Preparation bypasses stress.
• Make a list, but remember that you don’t have to have everything crossed off by the end of the day.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Get up 15 minutes early.
• Do some Tai Chi.
• Talk to an upbeat friend.
• Learn to say no.
• Go for a brisk walk.
• Spend a few evenings without TV.
• Do some deep breathing.
• Stretch — it’s good for you! Why do you think cats have so many lives?
• Apologize for a mistake and for forgiveness.

And the one I believe has the most impact on stress levels (drum roll, please) is:

• Forgiveness. Forgive others, and forgive yourself. Once you make the choice to do that, you begin letting go of all the stuffed “anger energy” that is so heavy and burdensome. That certainly relieves a lot of stress!

Choose to take the necessary steps to have less stress and more joy. To quote my friend Cathy Freeman, “Being healthy is more than just the absence of disease; it is having a healthy balance in the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional state of an individual. Health is a choice — a choice we make each day.”