Afternoon traffic on Foothill Blvd. In Hasting Ranch got you uptight? No parking anywhere on South Lake Avenue and now you’re late for that lunch meeting?

Today, in place of blood thirsty predators that used to trigger stress reactions in our bodies, it’s unending stress from traffic, bills, taxes and work place pressures, leaving our bodies on high alert at all times. This build up of the stress hormone Cortisol can give you high blood pressure, which can lead to other even less favorable outcomes that could stop us right in our tracks.

Make you nervous?

When we asked stress expert Veronica Jacobi at Pasadena’s Healthy Living Medical Group about how to stay healthy in spite of stress, she seemed pretty calm

She boiled it down and gave us five things we can do, each day, to help be a little less stressed and in the end, a lot healthier:

1. Dedicate 20 minutes for aerobic exercises
Cardiovascular activities help in your body’s circulation and regular workouts reduce the risk of heart attack. Try to kill two birds with one stone- take a walk for your 15 minute break at work or really put your body into your cleaning routine.

2. Put in eight hours of sleep daily
Don’t skimp on sleep. It is the best thing you can do for your body. And don’t think you can “make up” for lost sleep- that’s a myth.

3. Gulp at least eight glasses of water
Keeping yourself hydrated is one key. Your cells need water to be healthy and function. All you are made up of are your cells. Think about it.

4. Watch your diet
While food is essential, not every edible treat will do. Make sure you have your daily dose of nutrients from the right food such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. Sorry, no red velvet cupcakes on the list.

5. Plan your day
Schedule your activities to manage your day better. Make sure you don’t overlap work with recreation. Knowing what you have to tackle each day give your brain and body enough time to prepare.

Stay on track with these steps and you’re on your way to reducing stress in your life!

Healthy Living Medical Group is located at 301 S. Fair Oaks, Suite 404, Pasadena. For more information, please (626) 716-9206 or visit http://www.thehealthylivingmedical.com/