Everyday life during normal circumstances brings about some amount of stress, but today’s challenges almost ensure that all of us will face coping with stress on a very regular basis for the foreseeable future. Since stress can reduce our immune function and make dealing with problems even more difficult, now is the time to get into some positive habits that can increase your ability to cope with stress.
Eat Right—
Sugar, chocolate, highly-processed foods. We reach for them when we start to feel the pressure, calling them “comfort” foods. But our body’s ultimate reaction when processing these foods only makes stress worse. Check out these articles:
Intuitive Eating: Gut Matters
Foods for Healthy Metabolism
The Power of a Plant-Based Diet for Diabetes
Deep Dive into Successful Dieting
Cut the caffeine—
Feeling anxious? The caffeine in that soda or tea or coffee or chocolate only feeds your anxiousness. Try herbal teas with no caffeine or carbonated water. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will also increase your energy levels and ability to cope. Cutting caffeine has another benefit, improved sleep. Healthy sleep plays a key role in your best health. Check out these articles on sleep:
Tips for Better Sleep
Tips for Your Best Sleep at Every Age
Alternatives for Safe, Natural Sleep
Rest: How to Slow Down
Breathe—
Slowing down to take deep breaths can really help calm your nerves. We’ve written on this topic before. Check out these articles:
How To Start A Meditation Habit
Calm the Nerves with these 8 Breathing Techniques
Reduce Stress with Your Breath
Beat Stress In 5 Minutes Or Less
EFT: A Simple, Gentle Technique
Exercise—
Nothing can help reduce stress more than a little sweat. Exercise can release feel-good hormones in the body. Get up and move throughout the day. Catch a little outdoor sunshine and get a double health benefit–vitamin D production through sunshine exposure supports immune health. Not used to exercise? Start slow and don’t over-do. Check with your healthcare provider if you have a medical condition before beginning an exercise program. Consider these articles:
Get the Most from Exercise
Natural Insights on Exercise and Weight Management
Clever Workout Tips for Busy People
Enhance Exercise and Improve Recovery
Supplement against Stress—
Supplements can help make up for nutrient gaps that make stress worse. Besides supplying basic nutrients like magnesium and vitamin C, which deplete with stress, herbs known as adaptogens support the body to help it combat its reactions to stress. We’ve written before about supplements and stress. Check out these articles:
Four Fabulous Stress Fighters
Fight Stress With Herbal Supplements
Ashwagandha: Wisdom from India
6 Supplements for Better Sleep
At BetsyHealth, we are committed to helping our community face our current health challenges with quality products, educated employees, and award-winning customer service. We thank you for continuing to support our family-owned, local business during these challenging times.
In health,
Ramona
BetsyHealth Note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before trying a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, including being pregnant or nursing, take prescription or over-the-counter medications, or are planning on having surgery.