Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 45)

5 EXERCISE WITHOUT THE GYM. online Exercise is one of the healthiest ways to cope with stress, but the thought of a monthly payment for a gym membership is daunting if you’re pinching pennies. Of course, the thing that makes the gym membership “expensive” is paying $30 a month for something you don’t use, says JJ Virgin, a nutrition specialist and ﬁtness expert, and co-star of TLC’s Freaky Eaters. If you use your membership, it’s worth the investment in yourself. “But you do not need to have a gym membership,” she says. “In fact, people who work out at home tend to be more disciplined.” Make sure you’re already building activity into your day—things like walking the dog, taking the stairs and parking farther from your destination. For more intense workouts, jog around your neighborhood, hike or bike along local trails, or ﬁnd a nearby park for tennis or other activities. There are also a number of ﬁtness DVDs on the market in addition to smartphone apps that take you through cardiovascular and weight-training workouts for all ﬁtness levels. “With all these free and cheap things you can do, there really aren’t any excuses,” Virgin says. “Overall … the bottom line is, if you’re healthier, you’ll save on medical costs long term.” Stress is a constant in our lives, and healthy coping is essential. To see the signs and symptoms of severe stress or other mental illnesses, and to learn more about their treatment, visit www.nmhs.net/behavioral_health. Know When to Reach Out How to Cope with Stress Money is a common cause of stress. Regardless of what is causing your stress, it’s important to have healthy coping mechanisms. Joy Johnson, outreach manager at the NMMC Behavioral Health Center, recommends a few steps to deal with stress. Change your outlook. When you view change as a positive challenge, rather than a threat, it’s easier to cope. exerCise. Relieve tension, release feel-good brain chemicals and achieve overall better health. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Meditate. Meditation takes many forms. Whether you practice yoga or deep breathing, meditation is guided thought that can help you work through stress. talk it out. If stress is getting the best of you, talk to a trusted friend or family member, or reach out to your doctor or a counselor. If you’re coping with ﬁnancial (or any) stress, don’t go without sleep, because even though stress can lead to sleep loss, not getting enough sleep fuels stress, too. 6 SLEEP. One of the best things you can do for your health, Virgin says, doesn’t cost a cent: “That’s getting a good night’s sleep.” Seven to nine hours of sleep nightly has been shown to help with diabetes control, weight loss, improved mood, better focus and other health beneﬁts. “But most people aren’t making it a priority,” Virgin laments. To improve the quality of your sleep, experts recommend a few simple steps. First, don’t drink caffeine or alcohol late in the day as both can disrupt deep sleep, and leave a few hours between your workout and bedtime, too. 7 BE SOCIAL. “In times of stress, we might have a tendency to isolate, which is the wrong thing to do,” Klontz says. “Make an effort in the midst of stress to reach out.” One social activity that does wonders is volunteering. “Nothing can change your mood quicker than having the sense that you’re helping someone else,” he says. Virgin echoes his sentiments: Make sure you take the time to spend time with friends and do other things you enjoy. “The stuff that really makes the difference,” she says, “doesn’t cost money.” Vim & Vigor · WI NTER 2012 45 http://www.nmhs.net/behavioral_health

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Bundles of Joy
A Sigh of Relief
Because I Said So!
What’s Wrong with This Picture?
The Future Is Now
Everyday Hero
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
Johnny Be Good
In the Driver’s Seat
We’ve Got Your Back
Bank on Your Health
Virtual Health
Contact Us!
Take Control of Your Diabetes
Life After a Loss
Taking Flight
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi