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You're a Heart-Centred Stress Reduction & Self-Care... Beginner
Friend, when it comes to reducing stress, practicing self-care and taking care of your needs, you’re new to the game... but you’re off to an awesome start! By completing this quiz, you’ve begun to take your health and happiness into your own hands.You’ve made a big, brave step towards committing to positive change, and if that isn’t worth celebrating, what is? Maybe you want have more boundaries, sleep a little deeper, or decrease your stress levels…Whatever your goals may be, rest assured that with a little guidance and support you can achieve — even exceed — them."Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start." — Nido QubeinThree tips to help you on your path to a healthy, happy lifestyle...1) Pick Exercises that Excite YouFriend, exercise doesn’t have to look like you sweating it out in an overcrowded gym. While treadmills, ellipticals, and similar cardio machines are a great option if you’re short on time, they can get a little boring if you don’t switch up your workout routine.Instead of forcing yourself to spend an hour doing something you really aren’t in the mood for, ask yourself what physical activities you genuinely enjoy. It could be something simple as raking the leaves in your front yard or taking a relaxing walk along the creek with friends or family. If you pick something that lights you up, you’re way more likely to get out there and actually do it.2. Rethink Your Sleep RoutineAccording to a recent study, insomnia is on the rise… And it’s no wonder when you think of our culture’s high stress levels and total reliance on technology. Computer and smartphone screens emit a wavelength of light in the blue spectrum, which signals your body to wake up. When you use your devices within two or three hours of bedtime, your body can’t make the melatonin it needs for a refreshing, rejuvenating sleep…So pick your ideal lights out time and press pause on your screens well before then!On top of that, try managing the stress that might be keeping you up after hours by prayer and journaling. This will lower your cortisol levels throughout the day so that by night you’re able to fall fast asleep.P.S. Steering clear of caffeinated beverages like coffee and Red Bull will also go a long way in your quest for an eight-hour snooze.3. Cut Out Highly-Processed SnacksMaybe you’ve heard this tip a million times, but I’m going to say it again because it truly is that important. Clean those highly-processed snacks out of your cupboard, friend! I’m not just talking about the chocolate bars and marshmallows.Many supposedly nutritious foods such as pasta, peanut butter, and granola bars are jam-packed with sugar, salt, and chemicals that non-scientists can’t even hope to pronounce.Find whole-food alternatives to your favorite snacks. I.e. instead of highly-processed fruit leathers, try drying apples, apricots, or whatever suits your fancy with produce straight from the farmer’s market. Even junk foods like potato chips can get a healthy makeover! Don’t be scared to get a bit creative…Hey there I’m Arlene. Registered Nurse, Health and Stress Management Coach for heart-centred, service- driven women. I help you manage and reduce stress improve your health, emotional wellness, and show up fully for the things that matter. www.arleneambrose.ca