5 Easy Ways to Reduce Daily Stress

1. Accept the things in life you cannot control. In other words, don't sweat the small stuff. There is no point in getting anxious, angry or frustrated at things that you cannot change. It's been said that worrying about tomorrow does nothing but ruin today, and it's true. There will always be things beyond your control, try to roll with the punches as best you can.

2. Exercise. The research keeps growing — exercise benefits your mind just as well as your body. We keep hearing about the long-term benefits of a regular exercise routine. But even a 20-minute walk, run, swim or dance session in the midst of a stressful time can give an immediate effect that can last for several hours.

3. Get a chiropractic adjustment. Each and every one of us is programmed with the flight or flight reaction, which is the body's natural response to fear or danger. When you experience a stressful or frightening situation, your body produces the hormones adrenaline and cortisone. These hormones make your heart beat faster, raise blood sugar levels and increase your blood pressure. While this may help in a survival situation, over the long run an excess of cortisol and adrenaline can cause a great deal of damage to the arteries and major organs, which in turn increases your likelihood of developing heart disease and diabetes. The fight or flight reaction is stimulated by the Sympathetic Nervous System. An overactive sympathetic nervous system will casue imbalances throughout the entire body. Fortunately, getting a chiropractic adjustment activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System, the rest and digest response. This allows the body to return to a state of homeostasis.

4. Meditate. Meditation and mindful prayer help the mind and body to relax and focus. Mindfulness can help people see new perspectives, develop self-compassion and forgiveness. When practicing a form of mindfulness, people can release emotions that may have been causing the body physical stress. Much like exercise, research has shown that even meditating briefly can reap immediate benefits. A recent study by Harvard Medical School revealed that people who practiced relaxation methods like meditation and yoga had less stress, and more active disease-fighting genes than those who did not take time to relax on a regular basis. In fact, the people in the study exhibited active genes that were able to lower blood pressure, fight inflammation, improve circulation and boost immunity.

5. Eat better, sleep better. A poor diet and lack of sleep can lead to increased stress levels, which eventually takes its toll on the body. By eating wholesome foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy seeds and nuts, you give your body the energy and nutrients it needs to ward off stress. In addition, a good night's sleep will do wonders for your mood and your ability to tackle life's challenges.