subject: Quick Ways to De-Stress [print this page] Quick Ways to De-Stress Quick Ways to De-Stress
The numerous demands and expectations of our everyday lives can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed and "stressed out". While this may not seem like such a big deal, the truth is, stress can take a serious toll on your health. Stressful emotions trigger the release of harmful chemicals like cortisol that can wreak havoc on nearly every aspect of our well-being. A study done by Carnegie Mellon University found that stress contributes to a range of diseases including heart disease and depression.
The good news is there are ways to effectively manage your stress , or de-stress, which are easy to implement!
5 Quick and Easy Ways to De-Stress
1. Don't rely on caffeine to keep you going. Excess coffee overloads your liver, dehydrates you and increases your risk of dips in energy. Enjoy your morning cup and switch to more hydrating and replenishing beverages in the afternoon, like coconut water or regular water. You can also try herbal coffee (teeccino brand) and herbal teas.
2. Maintain your exercise routine as best you can. When we're busy and our body is under stress, our adrenal glands need nourishment, not added strain and stress. For example, if you're used to exercising twice a week, I suggest sticking to your regular routine the best you can (even if you can only do 20 minutes of exercise). You will be surprised at how much more energy and positivity you'll have at work, family events or with your daily responsibilities when you give your body what it needs and what it's used to.
3. Make sure you eat your vegetables, especially greens. Don't worry if there isn't a spare moment to cook during hectic times. Blend your greens in a delicious and sweet tasting smoothie. Blending takes less time and you can blend your greens for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whole foods, especially greens, are the key to stamina and good health.
4. Don't worry if you can't always make a home-cooked meal. We don't always have the time to make our own meals when things are busy, which I prefer to do. What's the next best thing? Buy pre-washed organic salad mixes, cut-up fruit and vegetables and take out healthy options from a natural food store.
5. Meditate and calm your mind. When our minds are telling us to do more, we need to stop and take a moment (five minutes is enough) and do less, even if we have the urge to plow ahead. This can be hard for most, myself included! Meditation helps bring us more balance, so we feel much more centered and don't get bothered by the little things. Any time we quiet our minds from the constant cycle of thinking, it is meditation!
