Peggy Fleming Offers Tips for Getting a Grip on Stress

Posted on March 5, 2008

Olympic figure skating champion Peggy Fleming has teamed up with a company called Health Saver. Below Peggy Fleming and Health Saver offer some practical tips for getting a grip on stress and for getting back on a healthy lifestyle track if you have veered off a little.

Peggy Fleming says, "Plan a 'self make-over' for better health, improved fitness, less stress and more time for yourself to reach your goal and achieve significant success in 2008. To lose weight, incorporate physical activity into your daily routine and establish a smart diet. A balance between calories consumed and calories burned will leave you looking and feeling your best."

Get a Grip on Stress

Nearly half of all Americans say stress has a negative impact on their lives, according to the American Psychological Association. Vow today to conquer stressful situations with a renewed ability to cope.

Change the way you deal with situations that trigger stress. For example, if your five o'clock errands leave you feeling overwhelmed, avoid the late afternoon bustle by tackling errands during your lunch break.

There's no use in being bothered by problems you can't change. Instead, spend your energy on changes you can make.

Accept that adjustments often mean a change in standards. If your money woes mean no annual beach vacation, embrace vacation as a time to spend with your family rather than a time to get away.

Two-thirds of physician visits are due to stress-related symptoms. Take hold of your health by adopting effective stress prevention practices. Listen to music, read an article or take a quick walk -- physically active people tend to have less anxiety.

An optimistic mindset will help you better handle stress. When you carve out time to do something for yourself, you'll have a better attitude about meeting your daily responsibilities. Time for yourself is necessary, even if the things you do during this time are seen as "less pressing" than other duties.

Be Efficient

If "there are not enough hours in the day" is a phrase you're all too familiar with, learn to be more efficient with your time. A To Do list is an easy way to simplify your life. Equipped with a plan, you'll feel more in control.

Put your To Do list in order of priority. Tackle the more demanding tasks when your energy is at its peak. If you keep delaying the dreaded garage clean-up, force yourself to organize the garage for 10 minutes. You may find that once you've started, you're on a roll.

Divide time-consuming projects into smaller tasks. Reading "Fix attic leak" on your To Do list can be a bit intimidating. Instead, write "(1) Call plumber, (2) allocate money within budget" and so on.

Delegate responsibilities. You don't have to do it all on your own.

Learn to say no. Before you agree to take on additional responsibilities, consider what you will or will not gain from the extra task. If you want to spend more time with your family in 2008, politely decline invitations that keep you from reaching that goal.

Get Back on Track

It's never too late to jump back into the active lifestyle that may have gotten away from you last year. Keep muscles strong now and you're more likely to live longer and stay sharp in your later years.

Stay active and you not only reduce your risk of heart disease, but also increase your ability to fight depression.

According to the U.S. Department of Health, 60 percent of Americans do not participate in the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity five or more days a week, putting them at greater risk for cancer, diabetes and stroke. Squeeze in your 30 minutes of exercise in three 10-minute intervals throughout the day.

Fresh Fare

Three out of five Americans are overweight, and face an increased risk for high blood pressure. Vow to adopt a well-balanced diet with maximum nutrients for your calorie intake.

Healthier eating could reduce cancer deaths in the United States by 35 percent. Fill your plate with more vegetables than meats and carbohydrates. Then, each week, make a small change, such as switching from soda to water or trading cookies for fruit as an afternoon snack.

Portion sizes can be deceptive. Aim for food portions no larger than your fist.

Quit eating on the go. Your brain needs 20 minutes to register that your stomach is full. To avoid binge eating, eat before you get too hungry.

At the grocery, pay attention to nutrition labels. Stay clear of any foods that contain more than 20 percent of your daily fat intake. Also use a grocery list -- and stick to it -- to avoid the impulse buys that may add empty calories to your diet.

You probably learned at an early age, but may have lost sight of diet rule No. 1: Eat your fruits and vegetables. The more fruits and vegetables you eat per day, the less likely you are to develop cardiovascular disease.

HEALTH
PSYCHOLOGY