Mind

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Do You Have a Workplace Spouse?

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Have a good laugh -- and other ways to bust stress

Beth CooneyMark Allen has won an astounding six Ironman triathlons, but the way he works off a little stress is remarkably simple for someone with his endurance levels: "I take a short walk," he says. "It's simple. It's free. It takes five minutes, but it's enough to get all those good, positive endorphins going."Brant Secunda, a shaman healer in the Huichol Indian tradition, was the spiritual guide whose teachings helped Allen win his Ironman titles. Secunda has an even simpler antidote for the day-to-day stressors that sometimes make him tense: "I find something to laugh about; and if need be, I start the kidding myself."Secunda explains that tickling the funny bone has curative powers: "What indigenous people have known for a millennium, we are just starting to recognize. Laughter takes the edge off."And in scientific terms, Allen adds that research shows a good chuckle prompts a release of DHEA -- also known as the "feel good hormone." "Laughter clears away emotional distress like wipers on a windshield," he says.In their new book "Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You," Secunda and Allen -- collaborators who lecture all over the world on the benefits of blending spiritual and physical fitness -- outline several simple, doable methods to combat stress. Can't find the time for yoga class? The authors recommend just learning how to breathe deeply and quiet the mind. "Just spend 10 minutes a day in the natural world," Allen says. "Walk a little, take some really deep breaths and your mind will get calmer." Inspired by their accessible, doable stress-busting techniques, which don't tax the wallet or overwhelm busy schedules; HealthyLife touched base with several experts in Fairfield County to expand on the authors' simple themes."Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi are all great ways to manage stress, but they don't always appeal to the regular Joe (or Joanne)," says Dr. David M. Brody, vice provost of health sciences and director of the Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport. "There are simple things to do just in terms of choosing the foods we eat and things we drink that can help us lead calmer, healthier lives." So take a cleansing breath and consider some of these all-natural stress-diffusing ideas:• Get Acquainted with Your Pericardium SixPressing down on this responsive point slightly above the wrist line is a wonderful way to instantly relax the body, says Dr. Jennifer Brett, director of the Acupuncture Institute at the University of Bridgeport. Skilled acupuncturists often apply pressure to the pericardium six before they begin treatment with new patients just to calm them, says Brett. "And we often show the technique to patients who have anxiety issues," Brett says. "It releases endorphins and relaxes breathing and the muscles in the chest." • Or Press On Your Ear Shen Men This spot on the triangular fossa of the upper ear's interior is another sensitive spot responsive to stress-relieving pressure, says Brett. "And you can even sit at your desk and tug on that part of your ear if you need to calm down and not look really silly." Tip: Try this on your pets when giving medicines or if they are stressed out. • Don't OvereatBinge eating causes a huge release of insulin, which doesn't just promote weight gain; it taxes our whole body, says Allen. Also avoid: Simple sugars, which produce unhealthy insulin spikes.• But Please, Eat SomethingBalanced, small meals or snacks that include a complex carbohydrate, some healthy oils and proteins help keep our insulin levels on an even keel. Better yet: "Invite your inner caveman to the table and eat something grown close to the Earth," Allen says. "Processed food is a huge stress on the body."• Say the Serenity PrayerThe simple prayer that begins, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change¦" can soothe a stressed-out mind, says Dr. Stephen Perle, a Fairfield resident, chiropractor and professor of clinical sciences at the University of Bridgeport. "There's a reason they rely on that prayer in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous," he says. "I think it helps you examine your problems in a pragmatic way by asking yourself, `What can I change? And what can't I change.'" • Respond with Calm"Getting mad in a traffic jam doesn't make the traffic move any faster, yet we've all done it," Perle says. "Realizing how you respond to situations -- and that you have some control over your negative responses -- is key in learning how to manage stress." • Get Off the Java Train"As a society, we're addicted, but the constant stress on your adrenal glands from the intense kick of caffeine is a stress on the body," says UB's Brady, who is a certified clinical nutritionist and naturopathic physician.• Take Time for TeaGreen tea, with its potent antioxidants, helps the body fight off the negative effects of stress, says Dr. Henri Roca, director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Greenwich Hospital. Chamomile, valerian and passionflower teas also have potent calming ingredients. "There's a reason we suggest them to people with insomnia," Brady says.
Mark Allen has won an astounding six Ironman triathlons, but the way he works... more »

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