The Real Reason Balancing Stress Matters

Enjoying my walk through the Echinacea fields. Getting outdoors in nature is a great way to slow down and destress. Trout Lake Farm West, Wash., 2014.

If you’re like me, you’re probably eager to move beyond the stress of the last few years. It seems balance has taken on a whole new meaning as we refocus on health, juggle work-life commitments, and navigate the uncertainties of today’s world. It can feel overwhelming. Even the toughest nut can crack under all this pressure.

The good news is, when you take a few simple actions, you can balance daily stress so you can see your life in a whole new light. We certainly don’t need to dive into the research to know that many people are feeling emotionally overwhelmed and stressed. We need only look around us, but the research is telling.

Consider one recent survey by the American Psychological Association about stress in America. Nearly nine out of 10 people surveyed said it feels like there’s been a constant stream of crises without a break in the last two years. No doubt, people around the world are feeling the same.

Stress is not necessarily bad. In fact, too little stress fails to motivate us. The culprit is too much stress. The trick is to find the right balance.

In many ways, balancing stress is like playing a violin. If the strings are too loose (too little stress), they moan and groan. Too tight (too much stress), and they screech. But with the right amount of tension on the strings (and in your life), the violin (and you) can play beautiful music.

Woman playing the violin. Stress is like the strings on a violin. Just the right amount of tension on the strings (and in your life), and the violin (and you) can play beautiful music.

3 Smart ways to make stress work for you

Don’t let stress do you in, instead, make it work for you. Here are three easy ways to get started:

  1. Set meaningful goals. Avoid making your goals too hard (you’ll probably give up) or too easy (you’ll probably be bored). Choose a goal that pushes you just outside of your comfort zone.
  2. Take regular breaks. My morning Pilates and daily nature walks go a long way to help me see things in a new light. Other activities may be better suited for your lifestyle like listening to music, deep breathing and even socializing. It all adds up to the much-needed breaks we all need for creative problem solving.
  3. Focus on your health. A healthy diet, regular exercise, restful sleep and other healthy lifestyle habits go a long way to help fortify your body (and brain) against too much stress. Don’t forget to fill any nutrient gaps with Nutrilite supplements.

Ready to de-stress and inspire others?

When you take care of yourself, you’re better prepared to help others around you who are feeling stressed. You may recognize this as being a “product of the product.” People around you will see your choice to be positive in your high energy, the sparkle in your eyes, and the smile on your face. More importantly, you can inspire others, especially when they are experiencing stress and uncertainty. And that’s beautiful music to my ears!


Now is a great time to take action to balance the stress in your life. After all, it could be just what you need to move closer to achieving your goals.


I’ll be cheering you on!

Dr. Sam Signature

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