5 Ways to Cope With Stress and Anxiety {Healthy in Houston}

This week is a special one here at Houston Moms Blog. It is a week dedicated to YOU and an outlet to help you become the healthiest and happiest that you have ever been. For the next five days, we are going to be giving you tips and tricks to help you with all aspects of your health – from overall wellness to dental hygiene and so much more. We are going to help YOU get healthy in Houston, and we are thrilled to give you the resources to do so!

First up, overall health and wellness. Which is probably my biggest struggle as a mom. I am so busy worrying about everyone else around me that I am left neglecting myself. {Sound familiar?} So often I find those three enemies – stress, anxiety, worry – filling my soul and affecting me in every way. Until recently when I decided enough is enough. I scheduled an appointment at The Axelrad Clinic, and I decided that now is the time to regain control of my life and find ways to become a happier, healthier me.

I love that they offer a free consultation. Because honestly, I was nervous about diving into something not knowing whether it was even a good fit. From the moment I walked into the office, I knew it was though. The whole ambiance is so serene. So calming. So relaxing. Chris Axelrad, the compassionate and brilliant founder and executive director, sat down with me and just listened. Which is what they do with each and every patient. They listen to their concerns and their experiences so far, and from there they schedule an intake appointment and treatment plan. There isn’t a ‘cookie cutter’ solution for everyone. Just a plan made for you that may consist of acupuncture, supplements, and just overall adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. And of course, the plan is adjusted and tweaked according to your progress and any additional needs that may come up.

Like I mentioned, my issues all revolve around stress and anxiety. I know that dealing with them is a part of life, but I just don’t seem to handle them nearly as gracefully or peacefully as I probably should. I bottle them up, I keep them in, and then I let them explode on some unsuspecting victim {read :: my husband}. So on top of a couple of other recommendations, Chris gave me these valuable tips…and I just have to share them with all of you.

When stress and anxiety start to get the best of you, keep these things in mind ::

Rest.

I know, I know. Getting a full and restful night of sleep is something like that of a mythical creature when you are a mom. But it truly is THE most important thing to prepare your mind and body to take on the stressors in life. If you would have asked me just last week if there was any way I could add more rest into my life, my answer would have been – absolutely not! But The Axelrad Clinic helped me find ways to maximize my hours of shut eye, and although I am probably still not getting as much sleep as I should, I am feeling so much more well rested.

Fluids.

And when Chris says fluids…he actually means water. And lots of it. Just like your body NEEDS good old H20 to keep it running at peak performance, so does your mind. The better hydrated you are, the better you will feel. And the better you feel, the more able you will be to cope with the stress and anxiety that life will inevitably throw your way. A cup of coffee {just one!} is totally okay in the morning, but other than that stick to water. Craving something bubbly or with a touch of flavor in the afternoon? I love La Croix sparkling water with lime. Hits the spot every time.

Breathing.

Deep, relaxed breathing. Sounds easy, right? Well, there is a lot more to it than one would think. The Axelrad Clinic helped me learn the proper technique and how to incorporate breathing exercises into my daily routine. I have been doing some deep breathing every morning and every night since I began, and it is unbelievable the difference it is making. And when the toddler starts throwing a tantrum over not being able to eat cookies for breakfast and the baby is playing in the cat food, I go straight into my breathing exercises…instead of my usual panic mode.

Eat Healthy.

This is another tricky one for us moms. Because one – it means we have to carve time out of our busy days to eat. And two – we have to make sure it is healthy and not just our kid’s leftover pancake at breakfast or a handful of M&M’s for lunch. {Guilty as charged!} Cut back on the sugar and simple carbs, and instead stock up on healthy, EASY foods to eat for meals and snack on throughout the day. Chris said foods like almonds, hardboiled eggs, crunchy veggie sticks, and natural peanut butter are all great options….and super yummy too!

Get Inspired.

One of the most profound things Chris has said to me is, “Words are food for the mind. Just like you need nutritious food for your body, you need nutritious words for your mind too.” And just like that – I will never look at a trash mag or snarky blog post the same way again. I like to start my day reading an uplifting post {usually on HMB, of course!}, and then I wrap up my day with an inspirational book. Most days I only have time to read a page or two, but it is enough to end my day on a positive note and set me up for some sweet dreams.

My goal in visiting The Axelrad Clinic was to help me find ways to cope with the stress and anxiety that will always surround me…as a mother, as a wife, as a human being. And although I have only started my journey there, I would say I am well on the way to living a happier, healthier life. But keep in mind that they can help you achieve whatever your goals may be – depression, fertility, sleep problems…the list goes on. The Axelrad Clinic prides themselves on coming up with customizable and manageable plans that suit your exact needs. Check out their website, give them a call, and schedule a visit. 2014 is YOUR year to get healthy in Houston!

The Axelrad Clinic

713-527-9555

Houston Office :: 19 Briar Hollow Lane, Suite 240 |Houston, TX 77027

Woodlands Office :: 4840 W. Panther Creek, Suite 208 | The Woodlands, TX 77381

[hr]Please Note :: While this is a sponsored post, all thoughts and opinions about The Axelrad Clinic are totally and completely my own.