Stress

Easing Stress

Stress is in all of us. Especially nowadays. However, there are steps we can take to create our happiness, cultivate peace in our lives and thrive! ⁠ Keep reading to learn some things you can do now to ease your stress.

PRACTICE OF MEDITATION

Take some time to find yourself and develop or restore a greater awareness of your ego. Regain strength to continue your obstacle course (life) without impediments or inhibitions. Observe the thoughts that the mind is currently producing. Meditation is beneficial for stress and simply being in life. Have you read our article about it?

Yoga meditation is a mind-body practice that connects mind, body, and breath. There are different forms of meditation, each involving bringing your awareness to an object, sound, breath, or activity.

Meditation is not magical. Yet it is a natural medicine for stress. When you're ready to meditate, choose a comfortable spot (a chair or cushion is fine) and set a timer. Feel your breath. When (not if) your mind wanders from breath to thoughts, notice this and bring your mind back to the breath. Don't worry about getting distracted. It happens to everyone. Keep coming back to the breath. When the timer goes off, say thanks. Gratitude helps stick to any habit. Thank yourself for your practice, and journal your reflections.

NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Our diet is critical for stress management and supporting the body. When we incorporate as many colors of the rainbow and include herbs and spices in our food intake, we can naturally reduce stress.

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Green leafy vegetables are rich in magnesium, which is an essential mineral for mental + muscle relaxation⁠. Some examples are spinach, Swiss chard, curly kale, and collard greens.

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Legumes contain antioxidants that help prevent cell damage, fight disease + aging⁠. Some examples are black beans, red beans, and mung beans.

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Fruits have high levels of vitamin C, reduce inflammation, and may lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Some examples are blueberries, strawberries, and oranges.

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Nuts are high in the antioxidant vitamin E and zinc, which help boost the immune system⁠. Some examples are pecans, almonds, walnuts, and cashews.

Foods to avoid are alcohol and caffeine, high sugar foods, simple carbs (cakes, pastries, cookies), and soda. Alcohol and caffeine can elevate cortisol levels (stress hormone) and ultimately increase anxiety and depression. High sugar foods, simple carbs, and soda can increase inflammation in the body and lower the immune system.

Try these meals to boost mood and reduce stress:

Oatmeal topped with berries + walnuts, sprinkled with cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger
Sauteed spinach + a sweet potato topped with walnuts, sprinkled with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Avocado toast (mashed avocado on whole grain or whole wheat bread with garlic, salt, pepper, garlic, nutritional yeast) + an orange, and a cup of Destress tea.

Exercise is vital to our health! What do you prefer? From: running to basketball, cycling to archery, and yoga to swimming, our health and wellness benefits. Let's ease our stress and practice these activities with care and pleasure.