Don’t let stress ruin your summer fun
Remember when summer meant you didn’t have to go to school for three months? Now most of us see summer as a time of sweltering heat, high electric bills and even higher gas prices. Too often, instead of getting a summer vacation, we tend to get a summer stress meltdown.
Too much stress can damage almost every part of your body, from your brain to your bones. To help keep stress from taking a toll on your mental and physical well being, DeAun Woosley, fitness director for the Texas A&M University Department of Recreational Sports, recommends that you adjust your daily routine in the following ways:
- Get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise several times a week. Exercise can help you feel better and be more able to cope with the stress in your life. Even a brisk walk several times a week can make a difference in how you feel. Check with your doctor, though, to make sure you’re healthy enough for the type of exercise you choose.
- Learn yoga. The breathing and stretching movements are renewing and relaxing.
- Go to bed on time; get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
- Simplify and unclutter your life: buy less, watch TV less, etc.
- Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time.
- Carry reading material with you when you go places where you might have to wait in line.
- Listen to your favorite music while driving.
- Practice deep breathing when you start to feel stressed. Your breath should start in your lower abdomen, and your stomach should expand out as you breathe in. As you breathe out, your abdomen should shrink back toward your spine.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Get organized at work and home.
- Seek solitude; every day find time to be alone and reserve a few minutes for yourself.
- Change your thinking. Look at things more positively and refute negative thoughts.
- Eat breakfast! However, limit sugary food and caffeine.
- Take a nap on the weekend.
These are just a few suggestions to help you destress and start to enjoy your summer once again.
This article is provided as a courtesy by the Texas A&M University Department of Recreational Sports. For more information, contact your health care provider or exercise specialist. Before beginning any exercise program, check with your health care provider to find out if you are able to participate. 
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array
of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is
provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M
System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.
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