As April comes to an end, we are reminded that even though Stress Awareness Month is wrapping up, the challenge of managing stress is a year-round endeavor. Dr. Efrat Lamandre, also known as Dr. E, recently guested on FOX 5 Washington, DC, where she shared her valuable expertise on managing stress effectively.
Dr. E reminds us that stress isn’t all bad. It’s a natural part of life, designed to help us react to challenges and demands. But here’s the kicker: when stress levels hit the roof and never come down, that’s when the trouble starts, possibly inviting unwanted guests like heart disease and high blood pressure. And, let’s not even talk about how stress adds years to our looks prematurely.
Dr. E’s Five Stress-Busting Tips
During her appearance, Dr. Lamandre offered five invaluable stress-busting tips to incorporate into our daily lives:
Prioritize Your Sleep
“Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.” Dr. Lamandre emphasizes how sleep resets your cortisol levels—your body’s primary stress hormone—preparing you to tackle another day with resilience.
Stay Active
Engaging in physical activity is a natural stress reliever. And no, you don’t have to imitate a marathon runner to get the benefits. Dr. Lamandre reassures that staying active doesn’t necessitate intense workouts. A moderate 30-minute walk each day is sufficient to boost those feel-good hormones and dial down stress.
Embrace Mindful Practices
Mindfulness isn’t limited to meditation or yoga. It’s about being present and enjoying the moment. “Don’t work through your lunches,” Dr. Lamandre advises, suggesting that instead, we should give our brain “mini vacations” throughout the day to help soothe stress. Whether you’re munching on a delicious sandwich or taking a short walking break, these little mindful moments can help reduce stress big time.
Connect Socially—Offline
Social interactions are vital to our health. And by social, we don’t mean scrolling through your social media feeds. Dr. Lamandre suggests, “Going to lunch or even a one-on-one Zoom call with someone you love can trigger endorphins that reduce stress.”
Limit Stimulants
Caffeine and sugar can overstimulate the nervous system, especially when you’re already stressed. Dr. Lamandre places this advice last but firmly stresses its significance in achieving a balanced state.
Closing Thoughts
Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate stress entirely—that’s pretty much impossible. But by incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can keep stress in check and prevent it from taking over your life. So, next time you feel the stress gremlins creeping up on you, take a deep breath and remember Dr. E’s tips. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.
