Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
With the holiday season approaching, it’s more important than ever to learn a few quick tips to reduce stress.
Keeping your stress level down is just as important to your overall health as eating well and exercising regularly. We’ve asked WellcomeMD’s health coach, Amber Gabriel, for some easy tips on how to decrease stress in your life.
1. Take up an enjoyable hobby.
You’ll not only get some time to focus on something that brings you joy, but if it’s a social activity you’ll have an opportunity to be with people whose company you enjoy.
2. Get more social.
Increase the time you spend around people you enjoy. Meet with friends regularly or volunteer.
3. Get outside daily.
Take up gardening, go on a walk or better yet, go on a hike. Increase your daily NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) a critical component to maintaining a healthy weight.
4. Get a massage.
Better yet, try to schedule one regularly.
5. Meditate, pray, or quietly reflect as often as possible.
6. Gain perspective.
Step back and think about what’s stressing you out. How will today’s stressor fit into the big picture. Will it still be relevant in five years?
7. Take a digital detox.
Put your phone away for a set amount of time and limit screen time. This means no checking your email, texts, or social media.
8. Take deep breaths.
Focus especially on a long out-breath. This will immediately calm your stress response. Try box breathing: breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, breathe out for four, and hold for four again. Repeat for at least two minutes.
9. Practice gratitude.
Keep a daily journal or write a letter to someone you appreciate.
10. Try a mind body scan.
Find a quiet place with no distractions. Set a timer for five minutes if you’d like. Sit or lie down, start at the top of your head, and slowly notice the physical sensations of your body all the way down to your toes. Observe, don’t judge.
Ask yourself:
What are you feeling physically?
What are you feeling emotionally?
What are you thinking?
WELLCOMEMD
Living well means making the choice to start today. Concierge medicine re-establishes the kind of personal relationship with your physician that was once commonplace while taking advantage of the many advances in treatment and technology. WellcomeMD members experience medicine that is both more personal and more effective.
WELLCOMEMD
Introduces
Melissa MacVenn, M.D.
Dr. MacVenn has been practicing as the supervising physician in a Naples medical clinic for the past four years, often for mature patients with complex medical conditions that require acute attention. “It’s my mission to keep patients out of the ER and hospitals as much as possible,” she says.
If a patient does need to be admitted to the hospital, Dr. MacVenn has access to both Naples Community Hospital (NCH) and Physicians Regional Healthcare System (PRHS). In the event a patient is hospitalized, Dr. MacVenn will visit in person, closely partner with the hospital medical team, carefully review medical charts, interpret medical language and be an advocate and partner throughout the experience. “A hospital experience can be overwhelming and frightening. My goal is to be with you and your family every step of the way.”
“I approach each of my patients with respect and patience,” Dr. MacVenn says. “Joining WellcomeMD will allow me more time with each patient, and the ability to provide a comprehensive, nurturing environment. Each patient has a unique history that requires tailored recommendations to improve their health.”
Dr. MacVenn would be honored to work with you on your journey to optimal health.
WELLCOMEMD Concierge Medicine
Discover the power of a personal relationship with your primary care physician while never compromising on preventative medical advances and technology.
• Consider the cost of avoiding a preventable disease, the value of early detection of serious health problems, and ready access to a doctor who knows you.
• WellcomeMD physicians limit the number of patients they see, which means that we always have time for you.
• Individualized care with a comprehensive, proactive approach to your personal health.
• Appointments focused on your needs and preferences – not a billing code.
• From unhurried, 30-minute consultations to video conference appointments, or just a quick call or text – you choose.
If you are ready to optimize your health and have options and programs custom-tailored to your specific needs, contact WellcomeMD today.
To schedule your appointment, please call 888.531.3844 or visit www.WelcomeMD.com.
