Written by Stephani Fenkanyn
Stress. We live with it. Some dread it. When it comes to stress and the way our over-stimulated, fast-paced lifestyles look like today, avoiding it isn't always an option. So, what can we do about it? How can we manage it?
Realizing stress is unavoidable and perceiving it from a less negative point of view is the first step. Knowing what your body needs to thrive in the midst of the storm is the second. Here are some simple stress management tools for our busy lives:
1. Nourish The Body and Wake Up Your Consciousness
What goes on your plate has a huge impact on your stress response. Hormones involved in the stress response like cortisol and insulin, are very sensitive to diet choices. Ingesting the right foods can aid greatly in balancing blood sugar, restoring hormonal balance and reducing the damaging effects of stress. Furthermore, your adrenal glands, also called the stress organs, need the support of good quality nutrients. These nutrients are easily depleted by refined sugars, caffeine and alcohol. Prepare your body for success in balancing stressors by eliminating these foods and replacing them nutrient dense ones like:- Clean proteins like eggs and legumes
- Healthy fats like chia seeds, coconut oil and olive oil
- Leafy, dark greens
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Berries
- Non gluten grains like quinoa, brown rice and buckwheat
- B-complex vitamins through sources like almonds, avocados and oatmeal
- Omega 3 fatty acids, through sources such as nuts and seeds, salmon and sardines
- Magnesium by eating foods like dark-leafy vegetables, pumpkin seeds and sea vegetables.