Finding Balance This Fall Could Keep You Healthier

As the lazy days of summer fall away and a new season approaches, our list of "to do's" grows bigger and bigger. Children head back to school and immerse themselves in homework and outside activities. Adults get back to their work schedules full-force. Before we know it, our days are filled with many things to do and many places to be. And this can create chronic stress. The American Psychological Association describes chronic stress as constant and persistent feelings of being overwhelmed, worried, or run-down. Experts note a strong association between the feelings of chronic stress and ailments including anxiety and depression, increased risk of infection, headaches, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases.[1],[2] Stress-related ailments are estimated to cost the American economy over $220 billion annually.[3]

• Sleep: Make sure you are giving yourself enough time to sleep. A hectic schedule can rob you of the time that you need for sleep. If you get less sleep than you need, you may be more susceptible to a chronic stress response.
• Exercise: WebMD and other experts recommend a half-hour of moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming five days a week, which can increase chemicals in the body that boost mood and help reduce stress.
• Play: The American Academy of Pediatrics has long touted the role that simple, unscheduled playtime has on social and cognitive development in children. For adults, making "playtime" in the form of hobbies or creative activities has been shown to be healthy for mind and body.
• Relax: It is helpful to know how to calm your body when you feel stressed. Experts suggest relaxation techniques such as progressive or deep muscle relaxation and meditation to counteract the physiological effects of stress. Using search terms like "guided meditation" or "progressive muscle relaxation" in Google or YouTube can help you find ways to manage your stress.
• De-clutter: Evaluate the people and events that are requesting your time. Are these requests worthy of you and your time? Will it give you a sense of accomplishment? Will you enjoy them? If not, are there ways to make room for the truly meaningful opportunities for spending your time?

^[1] MedicineNet: on_medical_and_psychological_conditions http://www.medicinenet.com/stress/page9.htm
What are the effects of stress on medical and psychological conditions?
^[2] Scientific American http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=stress-dangers&page=2
^[3] The Alexander Foundation for Women's Health: http://www.afwh.org/articles/paid/chronicstress.htm

Additional Sources:
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-chronic-stress.aspx
http://www.ehow.com/facts_4925204_what-causes-chronic-stress.html
http://stress.about.com/od/unhealthybehaviors/a/stress_sleep.htm
www.webmd.com
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/182.ful