I found an interesting book in the supermarket called Guide to Alternative Medicine 2011 from the Mayo Clinic. The reason it interests me is because many people don’t understand or respect Alternative medicine but most people have heard of the Mayo Clinic and they respect the work that they do there. The basic stress management plan that they have in the book seems sort of obvious but it’s a good thing to keep posted on your refrigerator or on your desk as a reminder of the basics we all need to do to live our best lives.

Basic Stress Management Plan

1. Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week to help relieve stress and anxiety.

2. Aim for an average of eight hours of sleep each night.

3. Stay connected with family and friends.

4. Consider starting a meditation program.

They also state this “mood fact”. Stress and a depressed mood can increase your risk of heart disease, (which is the number one cause of death), and they can intensify physical symptoms, such as pain.