Stress and Heat: What a Bummer!

With the exception of a single day, temperatures have been over 100 degrees for almost two months. Texas is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in state history. There are daily news reports about water shortages. The debt ceiling has been raised after much debate in Congress. Unemployment is at an all-time high. Home foreclosure is increasing. Election campaigns are gaining steam and everyone is telling us how bad things are in the country. How do you beat the stress!

Just about all of us are aware of the phenomenon that disease is associated with stress. So how do you prevent it? Most people have heard that exercise improves your health, but did you know it reduces stress? Exercise is the best way to reduce stress, but who wants to exercise in the heat? Those of you with gym memberships and home equipment should exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

For those of you who cannot exercise, another stress reducer is meditation. Take a couple of minutes a day going to your “happy place.” Close your eyes and go to the beach and lay in the sun in your mind. Taking just a few minutes to relax will reduce your stress and help you be more energetic. After all, stress is really in your mind.

Dr. Pam Doughty