Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM May 2020 | Page 24

LASHASTA BELL, LPC-S, CCATP
Speaker/Licensed Counselor/Author
CEO-I Choose Me
281-764-6331 | www.lashastabell.com
Choose to DE-Stress
C
hildren and adults alike are stressed
with the ongoing uncertainty of the
COVID19 and the changes to our everyday
lives. Stress is a biological response to
environmental changes or things beyond
our control that is a normal part of life. Stress is a
natural response to a threat and our limbic system
will release adrenaline and cortisol to help our brain
and body manage the stress. This release is designed
to be helpful in short burst. It’s important that we are
intentional about incorporating de-stressors to help out
our limbic system. So since stress will be, let’s de-stress
together:
D - Dance it out. When you put on music that you
enjoy, you not only feel happier but your body releases
old (from younger years).
R
- regroup- create a new plan. The new routine
or plan can vary from day to day. Starting the day with a
plan decreases our stress. Instead of saying, “what are
we going to do?” we can say, “here’s what we are going
to do!”
E
- Exercise. Get moving. Our bodies and brain
need the movement. Consistent exercise has proven to
be one of the best ways to decrease stress, anxiety and
depression.
S
‘feel-good’ chemicals that lower your stress hormones. - stay present. Focus on right now-today. Use
5 senses to ground self in present. We are usually
most stress about what has yet to happen or what has
already happened.
- Express yourself creatively. Immersing
yourself in creative activities helps your mind to focus
and can aid in calming your brain. It also serves as a way
to disperse feelings while relieving anxiety. - stay connected. Social distancing not isolation.
In the age of social media, we can use it to stay
connected. FaceTime instead of texting, have watch
parties, spend time with family.
E
S
- sleep. When we
start to stress typically
our sleep hygiene is
impacted first. Sleep
is the foundation to
keeping our stress
regulated and immune
systems healthy. Be
sure to set a bedtime
and awake time that will
allow for 7-9 hours of
sleep. Create a routine
at bedtime to help the
brain know it’s time for
bed.
T
- try something
new. Trying something
new creates new
pathways in our brain
and takes attention away
from the uncontrollable.
Something new can
actually be something
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MOMENTUM
S