Stress Management is Key to Optimum Performance
For many southeastern Wisconsin executives, the daily professional grind consumes so much of their time and energy, leaving little room for things like reflection, healing and stress management.
That’s where KeleMarie Lyons can help.
Lyons, founder and president of Medicine That Heals in Milwaukee, describes herself as “a lifestyle medicine expert who inspires individuals to live healthy, happy and fulfilling lives.”
Her services include acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine and meditation as a means to optimal health and longevity.
“I've spent my whole life as a seeker, working with master teachers who propelled me toward inner transformation so that I could share these ancient healing techniques with people, like you, who are ready to heal,” Lyons said. “It’s my privilege to aid people in transition to step into their power through a unique combination of therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, mindfulness meditation and more.”
Patients such as Tom Forczek, a 69-year-old veteran and former postal worker, say Lyons can provide relief when traditional medicine does not.
“The procedure may be effective, but I believe the person administering it is a very big part of acupuncture therapy. KeleMarie is able to make a person feel comfortable and relaxed,” Forczek said. “I have tried other therapists and was treated as another paying, wishing-for-a-miracle customer. Attitude is everything when dealing with one’s health mentally and physically. When I’m finished with a session with KeleMarie, I leave feeling like I’m 35, on Cloud 9 and can do anything. All is well with the world.”
In this week’s C-Level column, Lyons shares 10 tips for executives to reduce stress in their lives.
Do something you love.” Take time to have some fun each day. It will spice up your life and reduce your chances for burning out. The level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, and dopamine are reduced when you are laughing and having fun,” Lyons said.
Unplug from television, emails and social media. “If we are truly looking to take the body out of the fight-or-flight mode and into healing mode, we must consider the impact of screen time. Schedule regular times away from your laptop, cell phone or tablet during breakfast, lunch and at the end of the day,” Lyons said.
Move your body. “it is important to move your body when you are stressed. Whether you are experiencing internal stress or external stress, it results in stagnation in the body. Stagnation in the body results in pain and disease. So, whether it’s washing the car, taking a brisk walk around the block, doing yoga or hitting the tennis court, do something that makes you sweat a bit,” Lyons said.
Breathe deep. “Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor. Straighten your spine. When you breathe in, expand your belly and when you breathe out, allow your belly to fall. Breathe in through your nose to a slow count of 4 and breathe out through your mouth to the count of 6. Repeat this breath 10 times to reset your nervous system from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest,’” Lyons said.
Reset your schedule. “Sometimes our schedules run our lives. Take a moment to look at yours and evaluate if it’s working for you, for your body, for your sanity. If not, make changes to give you time for activities, like the things on this list, that will have a big impact on your quality of life,” Lyons said.
Smell spikenard. “You probably heard about lavender or frankincense essential oils but you may not have heard of spikenard. It comes from a flowering plant that grows in the Himalayas in India, China and Nepal. It’s musky, earthy scent and can be used for reducing stress and treating insomnia,” Lyons said.
Go inside. “When the world is crazy outside, go inside. Bring your awareness into your body when things are hard and confusing. Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor or lie on your back with your feet falling to the sides. This is a grounding activity that will allow you to shift your perspective,” Lyons said.
Meditate. “Finding mental silence will produce a state of calm, even on the most challenging days. Studies show that meditation reduces anxiety, improves the ability to think rationally and enhances our ability to empathize with others,” Lyons said.
Eat better. “Food really is our body’s fuel, so why not add antioxidant rich foods to your menu? Increasing foods like dates, celery sticks, apples, avocados, spinach, oranges, sweet potatoes, parsley or lemon juice on a kale salad can go a long way toward reducing your stress load and increasing focus and energy,” Lyons said.
Get help. “You may be at a point where you cannot relax through any of these activities. If that is the case, look for help,” Lyons said.
Name: KeleMarie Lyons
Title: President and licensed acupuncturist
Company: Medicine That Heals, Milwaukee
Expertise: Helping people live long, healthy, prosperous lives.
Education: Completed training in Oriental medicine and nutrition at the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine; completed training in traditional Chinese medicine at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine; and achieved bachelor of arts degree in political science at Iowa State University
Family: Husband, David Svejda; and dogs, Coco and Bean
Best advice ever received: “Make everything you do beautiful.”
Favorite musical artist: Andrea Bocelli
Favorite Wisconsin restaurant: Beans and Barley
