Community Magazine December 2013

72 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Shaatra Does It FRANCES HADDAD SHAATRA: Mental Health Welcome to reality. Where the dishes in the sink keep growing, the to-do list keeps getting longer, and you feel like you’re the living embodiment of the phrase, “So much to do, so little time.” Let’s face it. Life only gets busier as the days (literally!) get shorter. As you jump from task to task with no foreseeable end in sight, stress can rear its ugly head and threaten to hold you down. Stress can lead to muscle tension and irritability, and at its worst, can contribute to several chronic health conditions. So, if you feel like you’re running on the proverbial treadmill that never seems to shut off, it’s time to yank out the plug. Breathe In, Breathe Out When you’re racing against the clock, it’s easy to lose sight of how shallow your breathing has become. So sit down and take a deep, full breath in through your nose for five full seconds. Then, for another five seconds, breathe out through your mouth. Continue to breathe this way until you feel your body slowing down. The Present Moment As a wise person once said, the past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift; that’s why it’s called the present. The truth is, all we have is right now. So when your stress is rising as you ruminate about the past or worry about the future, slowly bring your mind back to the present. Focus on the feeling of your feet as they hit the pavement, the crunchiness of the pretzel that you are eating and the brilliant blue feathers of the bird flying above you. Take hold of this moment, because it is something you can never get back once it passes by. Send in your tips for the next edition WEDDING PLANNING mobile: Scan the QR code at right online: go.CommunityM.com/ask email: Ask@CommunityM.com facsimile: 718-504-4246 postal mail: 1616 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11223 Work it Out There’s nothing like a good exercise session to clear tension. Release stress hormones with aerobics or a nice run. Train your body to calm down with a leisurely walk or a kosher yoga class. Or put on some enjoyable music and dance with your kids. Just get moving! Good Night! How many hours of sleep did you get last night? Well, the average adult needs between 7 and 8 hours for optimal health. Putting aside the puffy eyes and exhaustion, lack of sleep can lead to a whole host of other health conditions, and can exacerbate stress enormously. So, if you’re trying to decide if you should stay awake to mop the floors or hit the sack instead, more sleep wins! Just Say No Do not randomly throw everything you want to get done today onto your “to do” list. Determine which items are priorities, and arrange your schedule accordingly. Sometimes taking on another responsibility can throw you over the edge. Wondering if you should bake a cake for next week’s bake sale? Ask yourself if you have other obligations that take precedence. Don’t say “yes” just to please others, because that will only bring you to harbor resentment and add to your stress load. Learn to say “no” in a pleasant way, and then when you can take on a task, you will be able to say “yes” happily! It Ain’t So Sweet Ah, the sweetness of sugar-loaded treats. They give the burst of energy that you need – for an hour or so. Then the stress sets in again, as your body begins to crave the nutrients it desperately needs. Stop running to the quick fix. Have baby carrots, yogurt and fresh fruit in your refrigerator for nutritious snacks that will be the balanced solution for those hunger pangs. Ha Ha! We’ve heard it a million times before, but it’s true – laughter is the best medicine. When you’re stuck in a stress rut, talk to a funny friend or turn to the joke section of Community Magazine! Do whatever you can to laugh and laugh some more. A sense of humor has been proven to go a long way in enhancing the quality and even length of life. Walk With Gd Trusting that Hashem will take you to where you need to go is the most amazing antidote for stress. Oftentimes worrying is for naught, because all is well in the end. Remember, we have to put in the effort, and Hashem is in charge of the results. So focus on what you can control (your own actions and attitude), and let Hashem take care of the rest. Implementing lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques can give us the strength to face challenges head on without drowning in stress. We probably can’t eliminate stress for good, but we can definitely work to minimize it and live happier and more productive lives. R E A D E R S T I P S W When my responsibilities pile up, I delegate. I hire a housekeeper so I can spend time with my family or take a break. Y. B. G etting fresh air and sunlight is the best solution for stress. I don’t let myself sit home all day, because I know being cooped up inside will get to me. T.M. .