April marked Stress Awareness Month – now we are in May, have you made any changes to help combat your stress levels?
Stress is a word thrown around a lot. Our body does need stress hormones to function and it can handle stress quite well. But what it can’t handle well, is the long-term constant bombardment of stressors which seem to be all encompassing nowadays. From working too hard and too long. Being surrounding by stimuli such as bright lights and sounds (TV/phones). Not having any downtime. This overstimulation can lead to chronic or continual excess cortisol, which may display as a racing mind, trouble sleeping, IBS-like symptoms and a lack of appetite. When this continues for too long, over months or even years, cortisol can eventually dip and this brings on a slew of different symptoms: constant fatigue, overeating, weight gain, headaches, to name a few.
So what can one do? There are many things. From little tweaks to your daily routines, to major changes. Sometimes something as simple as eating a protein and fat-rich breakfast can help combat stress, going out for a 15 minute walk at lunch time, allotting a time daily or weekly to spend one-to-one quality time with a loved one, turning the TV/phone off at 8pm and reading or playing a board game instead. Also, avoiding any negative news or influencers. I am a big believer that less is more, and there isn’t a better time to make changes than right now.
Sometimes though, bigger changes are needed to make a real impact on your health. A change of career, or even leaving a negative relationship may be what is essential to release yourself from constant negative stress.
Nutrition wise, looking at foods high in B vitamins and Magnesium is essential for a robust nervous system. Such as: pumpkin, almonds, spinach (cooked), peanut butter, chia seeds, meat, mushrooms, tuna and eggs. Having adequate amounts of protein and including good fats such as avocado, butter, olive oil, wild salmon, mackerel, sardines, nuts and seeds.
Aquasol do some fabulous teas which can help support the effects of ongoing stress. Both Red and White ginseng are especially good if you are in that long-term stress space. Ashwagandha can be helpful in the earlier ‘wired’ stage. www.aquasol.co.uk
The takeaway message is that it doesn’t necessarily take huge shifts in your daily routine to help alleviate excess stress. Some changes can really have profound effects.
Written by Rosie Rayner, ND