We use food, alcohol, TV and shopping to cope with stress.

4

What about aerobic exercise, yoga/meditation, and “talk” therapy?

740% of the population exercises for 30 minutes each on 1 – 4 days per week

Exercise is crucial for optimal productivity, brain function, and of course, a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity promotes the release of endorphins, known as the “feel good” neurotransmitters; makes you “smarter” and more creative by increasing blood flow (and oxygen) to your brain; and acts as “meditation in motion”, providing mental and physical stress relief that can make you more productive.

YES, exercising and staying healthy are CRITICAL to the success of your business, career, and life.

The REALITY: However critical, it’s hours, even days, after that stressful meeting with your client, or that fight with your spouse, before you can seek out the solace of your running shoes.

938% of Americans use “complementary and alternative medicine”,

which includes yoga, meditation and other natural stress relief

These practices provide powerful stress relief, increased focus, creativity, productivity, and lots more.

THE REALITY: Yoga and meditation provide significant stress relief and other benefits that yield significant results in weeks or months with regular, frequent practice. Many who try meditation give up too soon because they feel it’s “not working.”

12

What about psychotherapy? Does “talk” therapy provide lasting stress relief?

A study performed by Dr. Dawson Church, PhD and Dr. David Feinstein, PhD, measured cortisol levels before and after treatment.

83 participants were divided into 3 groups: the 1st group received an hour of Tapping, a practice that combines “talk” therapy with acupressure treatments; the 2nd group received an hour of psychotherapy (“talk” therapy); the 3rd group (control group) received no treatment.

RESULTS: The normal rate of cortisol decline is 14% over an hour. The 1st group (Tapping) demonstrated a 24% decrease in cortisol levels, while the 2nd and 3rd groups only showed the normal rate of cortisol decline. The 10% improvement in the 1st group (Tapping) is statistically significant.

THE REALITY: Psychotherapy alone relieves stress, but over a long period of time. The immediate benefits of psychotherapy don’t register in your body, where excessive amounts of the “stress hormone” cortisol still run rampant, putting your brain, your problem solving skills, your creativity, and your overall health, at risk.