Spring is approaching and stress is in the air. There are worries over the economy, the upcoming election, and the state of healthcare (among other things). There are ways that each of us deals with stress -both consciously and unconsciously. Some people get sick (not a great solution);others overeat; still others drink too much alcohol. But many people have learned to work it out in a healthy way using exercise, meditation, yoga, and talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT is a process that looks at a person’s beliefs, and helps to change negative thought patterns. It is like teaching people to look at the cup as half full, rather than half empty. A recent study has found that ten sessions of CBT significantly improved worry in older individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. CBT has also recently been shown to have an impact on depression and health outcomes in those who have undergone cardiac bypass surgery.

If you are stressed out, you are not alone. I suggest that you look to healthy ways to deal with stress and worry. If you feel you need help and would benefit from talking to someone, you might want to find a therapist who does CBT. And of course, you can eat a healthy whole food diet and exercise too!