Awareness

Holy cow! I did not know that April was (is) Stress Awareness Month! Luckily its still going on so I haven't completely missed it. And actually, I have been aware of stress all month but not aware of the monthly celebration. So since I clearly need to pack a whole lot of awareness into the last 3 days of the month. Starting now!!

Today's stress relieving tip is exercise to do when its raining outside. It is totally rainy and nasty here and although it may be tempting to curl up on the couch and watch 14 hours of television when you get home from work, that is not a good stress reliever! Exercise on the other hand, is an excellent way to reduce stress. But when it's gross out there are still things you can do without leaving the comfort of your own home (If you have your own gym, which I don't, unless you count the portable bike pedals Pete bought, this is even easier and you don't need me to tell you, just go home and get some exercise!). Here is a quick example.

This is one that looks easy but totally works your stomach. And since its especially important to have a strong core its an especially good one. Its called boat pose. And you want to look just like the guy in the picture above. Legs in the air, arms out straight, and back straight, too. And then hold it. Until you don't think you can hold it any more. And then hold it some more.

Next, do 20 push-ups. Make sure your back is straight (you can do them on your knees if you want to) and that you are going all the way down. Chest to the floor!

Now take a break.

Now do boat pose again.

Now more push-ups.

And now you've done some exercise! Its good for you. I hope you feel sore tomorrow. Happy end of stress awareness month!

Dancing on Tuesday

This week's one minute dance party song is especially good if you happen to being dealing with relationship stress. But even if you're not, it's also really good for general release of anger and for jumping around.

Stress and Cholesterol: The Link No One Talks About

I remember when I first learned that stress could lead to higher levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. I read about it in Robert Sapolsky's book (which I have recommended before and continue to think very highly of), Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers. I then promptly forgot all about it. Many of the negative health consequences of stress are highly publicized. That stress can lead to increased blood pressure, head and back aches, stomach trouble, and, most recently in the news, heart attacks, is understood and accepted by most people you meet. But if you were to stop folks on the street and ask them, "Can stress lead to high cholesterol?" I bet a whole bunch of them would say no. If you left the question even more open "What can you do to improve your cholesterol?" I bet the top 3 answers would be eat healthy, exercise, and, of course, take medication. Maybe a few people would suggest reducing stress but I imagine they would be the exception to the rule.

And yet, it would be a totally valid and correct answer. Much research has shown that high stress is linked to high cholesterol. One study showed that people who get less stressed out in stressful situations tend to have less of an increase in LDL as they get older as compared to people who exhibit higher levels of stress. And another study showed that coping effectively with stress actually helps to raise levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL), which, according to the American Heart Association, can actually help protect your heart if it is above a certain level.

Both of these studies were published a while ago now, and for whatever reason the link between stress and cholesterol seems not to have gotten as much attention as other stress health links. But given the amount of money spent on cholesterol lowering meds ($19.5 billion - yup billion - in 2006 according to this article) I am inclined to think that high cholesterol is a widespread issue, and the link between stress and cholesterol deserves some attention.

Hula while you work?

Oh my goodness. I have just discovered the most amazing thing. I am pretty sure this is not a joke. And although I try not to post about things I haven't tried myself, I think its clear that this is worth making the exception. It may make you look ridiculous, but if it works, wonderful!



You can order a Hawaii Chair here.

Meditation Emails

A couple of weeks ago my friend Kristen and I decided that we both needed to start meditating. But given that we are both busy and easily distracted people we needed something to keep motivated. So we determined that we would email each other each day our meditation experiences. Just a sentence or two; it would be like a journal of how meditation is going while also acting as a helpful motivating factor. Here's how it went.

Day 1: I meditated for 15 minutes in the morning. It felt good. Until I had a violent fit of coughing at the end. That part wasn't so fun. I am not advanced enough to know how to cough and meditate at the same time.

Kristen attempts meditation lying down. Falls asleep.

Day 2: My mind wandered a lot but I found that I was able to let go of all the thoughts that came through my mind. Even stressful ones. I have chosen to focus on my breathing as I meditate. this is working ok for me. Except at the end of the 15 minutes I am definitely antsy.

Kristen is antsy, too. She is thinking maybe a mantra will work better for her than just focusing on breathing. I say go for it. Whatever works.

On day 2, after Kristen suggests doing Balinese smiling meditation, we discover we have both just read Eat Pray Love which is why we are both so inspired to meditate. We are also both totally embarrassed to have liked the book in the first place.

Day 3: the weekend. I completely forget to meditate. Because you know what is even nicer than meditating in the morning? sleeping in.

Kristen I believe gives it one more go but that is the last I heard of it. There is no Day 4.
But I haven't given up! Although we failed at implementing it the first time around, I don't think its a bad idea. I am starting again tomorrow. A new day 1. A new email journal. I'll keep you posted on our progress...

Healthy Toes

The other day a product called HealthyToes randomly came into my life. I will do my best to describe it. It is a rubbery flexible piece of plastic with 5 holes, one for each of your toes. You stick your toes in between the toe separators and it stretches your feet. So you basically just wear one on each foot until the stretch stops feeling good. Then you take them off. I have to say, I find them kind of amazing. It is a completely new stretch for the feet! And I think for the most part feet get neglected in the world of stretching. Well not any more.

They come in 2 sizes and from looking at them I imagine they would feet practically all feet. And for the busy, stressed out individual, you can wear them on your feet while sitting at your desk working. perfect for the multi-tasker in you!

Unfortunately, as I mentioned, they just sort of fell into my life. I have no idea where to buy them, and the website, www.healthytoes.com, is not much help. So if anyone can find them in a store, let me know! I want to give them to people as presents! My sister once told me that if you're having a bad day, you should check to see if your shoes fit. In other words, if your feet aren't happy, you aren't either. This little tool will help take your feet in the right direction.

9 to 5

I'm back from a little blogging sabbatical and also back is the One Minute Dance Party!!

Take a little break. Seriously! Get up from your desk. I have just the song for it. Enjoy!