Feeling Stressed? ??
If you spend any time watching or listening to the news there is a good chance that your stress levels will be far higher than they should be.
Unless you take steps to manage it, stress can increase your risk of a wide range of physical and mental health problems including a heart attack, depression, high blood pressure, infertility, and IBS to name a few. It can also make you more sensitive to muscle and joint pain which is a topic I cover in detail in another newsletter so let me know if you would like a copy.
The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to reduce your stress levels including:
?1) Go a bit nutty ?? - When you are stressed your body & brain use up nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and omega oils much faster. Nuts are a great way to replace them, and they also balance blood sugar levels, regulate appetite, and support your metabolism. A handful of almonds, walnuts, or Brazil nuts taste great and help reduce your stress-related cravings for sugary snacks.
2) Colouring books ?? - Colouring things in can be very calming because it involves the part of the brain related to the fear & stress response and stimulates the creativity & logic parts of the brain. A study found a reduction in anxiety in subjects after a short time colouring geometric patterns so why not grab some pens and get creative?
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3) Switch off ?? - Turn off your phone or tablet for at least 30 mins per day! Divide the time into 10 min chunks, if you like, but switch your device off, don't just leave it on silent! Turn down your stress dial by doing this on your commute home, when you are preparing your evening meal or when you are soaking in the bath.
4) Get Physical ???? - You can make the most of your body's 'fight, flight or freeze' response by doing something physical. Giving your body what it's anticipating is the quickest and easiest way to reduce stress. You don't even have to go to the gym as a fast walk around the block can be just as effective.
5) Hum a tune ?? - The combination of vocalisation and vibration when you hum has a positive effect on your blood pressure, helps relax tense muscles, blocks out racing thoughts and makes sure you breathe more deeply and calmly. Try not to do it too loudly though especially if you are in the office or on the bus as this may increase your neighbours' stress levels ??