Let's be honest with ourselves, economic recession and stress go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, there is no fool proof, do-it-yourself guide, to ridding yourself of stress because it is a physical poison that often people are not aware of. The bad news - stress has been linked to anxiety, depression, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, loss of concentration and/or memory, increased pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. The good news - there are many techniques out there to help relieve yourself of the dirty "S" word.
We are here to offer you a few simple suggestions that will help you reduce your stress levels and hopefully move you out of harm's way:
1) Exercise - You have heard it before and will hear it again; exercise reduces stress (by way of increasing endorphins which are the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters), releases toxins, and allows you to think more clearly. Thinking more clearly and feeling less stressed increases productivity which allows you to do more with the time you have. For many people these "exercise side-effects" result in making more money.
*Remember, exercise does not have to be expensive. There is no need to throw away your cash on expensive gym memberships and trainers that give you a one-time cookie cutter exercise routine!
2) Planning - Planning for meals is not only healthier (in the sense of nutrients for your body) and overall cheaper, but is also conducive to spending time with family. Preparing and enjoying home cooked meals together strengthens the family dynamic, making healthier individuals by making a healthier family, and also foments the sense that the family is "in it together" through whatever recession-caused storms need to be endured. Having a strong support group with open communication is a bullet proof way to reduce your stress levels.
Homemade Teriyaki Salmon on a bed of Brown Rice and Broccoli
3) Nutrients - There are a few scientifically proven nutrients* that will help your body fight the stress:
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Help keep cortisol (one of the causes of the fat around your belly) and adrenaline levels down. Found in salmon, tuna, flaxseed oil, kiwi fruit, etc.
- Magnesium – Helps prevent migraine headaches and fatigue. Found in spinach, almonds, artichoke, etc.
- Vitamin C – boosts your immune system and fights the feeling of stress. Found in oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries, bell peppers, etc.
- Fiber – Slowly digested carbohydrates (whole grains) make the brain produce more serotonin. Found in oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain pasta, etc.
- Calcium – Helps reduce muscle spasms and tension. Found in skim milk, yogurt, spinach, etc.
- Folic Acid – proven to reduce stress, anxiety, panic, and depression. Found in broccoli, spinach, fortified whole grain cereals, etc.
*Please follow the Recommended Dietary Allowances for all nutrients.
