My personal stress relief tips [2 VIDEOS]

It’s Stress Awareness Month — and I want to share some easy stress-busting tactics with you today. If you are having trouble viewing this email, [click here.]( Dear {NAME}, How often do you feel stressed? It's something we all deal with in life. Between work, bills, and negative news stories… It’s like stress DRAINS your “batteries” — making you feel tired, lethargic, and out of it. But the good news is, these unpleasant effects are avoidable… You just need a few tricks up your sleeve to keep your stress levels in check. So in honor of National Stress Awareness Month — I want to share some of these easy stress management tactics with you today… Starting with 2 stress-busting essentials I always recommend to patients: [Physical movement](, which is hands down the best antidote to stress ever discovered… And [getting proper sleep]( — at least 7 to 8 hours a night. (Check out those blue links for my tips on both!) The next step is to start bringing awareness to your stress levels during the day. You have a lot more power over this than you realize! Your conscious thoughts can either spike your stress hormone network… or help calm them all down. Now, the easiest and cheapest way to calm your body’s stress response is through controlled breathing. I first learned about this effective tool in my years as a surgeon. For the most part, I’m focused and “in the zone” in the operating room… But when something unexpected happens, I use controlled breathing to steady my heart rate and nervous system. It works like this:  My Favorite Stress-Busting Breath Exercise Breathe in through your nose for a count of 3, then out through your mouth with pursed lips (like blowing out a candle) for a count of 6… repeating until you feel your tight breath deepen, your heart rate calm, and your mind become more in control. In for 3, out for 6… in for 3, out for 6. Try it the next time you feel stress rising and I guarantee you will notice a difference! In addition to breath work, I also recommend setting some time each day — maybe first thing in the morning, or last thing at night — to focus on the positive things in your life. I’ve spoken with a number of wonderful guests on my podcast about this topic… And a surprising number of very successful folks have mentioned gratitude helps them manage their stress. Taking just a few moments to count your blessings has a remarkable effect, making it easier to get a handle on negative thought patterns. Because as hard as it may be to recognize in a moment of struggle… there’s always something to be thankful for. In addition to focusing on gratitude, I would encourage anyone to experiment with meditation. Not only is it one of the most powerful stress-busters around… Mediation is scientifically linked to improved gut health — and science shows meditators have a far more diverse microbiome than people who don’t meditate. Now, don't worry — I'm not going to tell you to spend hours a day sitting on the floor trying to empty your mind. Even 2-3 minutes of meditation does a world of good… Best of all? These days, effective meditation practices are within arm’s reach. There’s a plethora of terrific apps available that can help you calm your mind. But of course, after you use your phone for a guided meditation, put it down. Spend time away from social media and give yourself the gift of real-life social connection — especially with those who are positive forces in your life. Sometimes, nothing dispels stress better than catching up with a best friend or close sibling. So call a friend… chat with a neighbor… or simply strike up a conversation with the cashier (I embarrass my wife Penny all the time when I do this!) the next time you’re out shopping. I hope these tips help ease any stress in your life, {NAME}. Give them a try the next time you feel that pressure building up… And have a great, stress-free week! I’ll be in touch again soon. Looking out for you, Steven Gundry, MD [Steven Gundry, MD]   This email was sent to {EMAIL} by newsletter@gundrymd.com [Edit Profile]( | [Manage Subscriptions]( | [VIP Discounts]( | [Join Text Club]( 145 S. Fairfax Avenue, Suite 200, Los Angeles 90036  [Report Spam](  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Â