16 Ways to Bust Stress l Healthy Living l How to Relax l Healing

Stress is a part of everyday life. Without it we would never get off the couch, never worry about our work efforts, what our kids are up to, never put out the fire or avoid the car that veers into our lane!

The degree of stress that we encounter on a constant basis in modern society, however, has reached epidemic proportions.

Stress can be linked to weight gain, heart disease and depression. It increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and osteoporosis. Stress impairs cognitive function over time, reducing creativity, memory and problem-solving skills. Headaches, sexual dysfunction, irritability, problems sleeping and addictive behaviors are often stress-related.

The degree of stress we experience on a daily basis might be a cultural norm but personal priorities, personal choices and our purposeful reactions to stress can limit the negative health effects of stress. Pick a few of these suggestions below to reduce stress in your life and promote health and healing in your body.