Everything is crazy busy these days! My days start at 4am and end at 10pm.
Why? Cause I left everything until the last minute, got overwhelmed, and forgot how to use my time management skills. Or because a glass of wine and going down a Netflix hole was more important than finishing the task at hand (and also more fun!). Needless to say, this all brings stress.
The negative effects of stress on the body are endless! Stress can manifest itself in so many different ways that most of the time we don’t make the correlation between stress and the reactions we are having with our bodies.
We need to start acknowledging that our headaches, low energy, bitchiness, sleeping problems, and digestive upsets (to name a few) may be our body’s way of telling us to just chill the eff out.
Here are some tips that can help you relax, cause ain’t nobody got time for stress!
Making time for family friends and pets
Loneliness can be one of the major causes of stress. Did you know that the presence of animals reduces the anxiety you feel when facing stressful situations? True story! Touch something furry, like now.
Making time for yourself
Whether it’s an entire day out of your week or just an hour, take a bath, watch TV, read a book, go out and enjoy nature. It’s your time, do whatever you are into.
Making lists
Writing things down and having a schedule and routine you can stick to will help your days be less chaotic, and you may find that you actually have way more time on your hands than you thought. And there isn’t there something really gratifying about crossing something off a list?
Stop Worrying
Sometimes things are way worse in your head than they are in real life. Stop, think, and reason before jumping to conclusions.
Get enough rest
Sleep is seriously underrated! If you don’t let your body and mind rest, then you won’t be able to perform at your full capacity. If you can’t take all your required Z’s at once then take frequent naps throughout your day, they are not just for preschoolers anymore.
Exercise
Exercising boosts oxygen circulation and activates your body to make feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Aim for 30 minutes a day, it could be something as simple as walking.
Another of course watch what you eat! Here are some foods that will help reducestress:
Oatmeal
Never underestimate the value of a great bowl of oatmeal. This loveable breakfast staple will boost you full of a brain chemical that is calming called serotonin.
Spinach
Take lesson from Popeye and stock up on spinach for its magnesium which has
been known to combat stress in the body. Just one cup goes a long way.
Essential Fatty Acids
Salmon, seeds, and nuts to name a few are full of EFAs which can prevent surges in stress hormones and may help protect against heart disease, mood disorders like depression, and PMS.
Avocados
Guacamole made from avocado is a healthy alternative when stress has you craving a high-fat treat. Also high in EFAs.
Raw veggies
Not only do they pack tons of vitamins and nutrients, but the mechanical act of chewing raw veggies can help release clenched jaw and this can help ward off tension.
Recipe: Spicy Garlic Hummus recipe
1 can of chick peas
Juice of one lemon
4 cloves garlic
3 tbsp of olive oil
½ tsp himalayan salt
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp paprika
Dash of pepper to taste
Blend together in a food processor and serve with whole grain pita or fresh raw veggies!
