What happens when you are stressed out? Your body goes into “flight or fight” mode. Without getting too technical, there are actual physical changes that take place; your heart and blood pressure increase, your blood gets rerouted from internal organs to your muscles (just in case you have to run from that mountain lion). Other changes take place that put normal things like digestion, tissue repair and your immune system on hold. That is OK for a short time, but if you are in a constant state of stress, your body starts to break down, and you become more susceptible to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Other things like memory loss and depression are also linked to stress.
What can you do?
Exercise plays a key role in stress reduction: If you haven’t started moving yet, it is time to start! Join a Zumba or Yoga class, (ballroom dancing anyone?) take a 10-15 minute walk before dinner, join in a sport league (for the over 30, 40, 50 crowd). Start with a small change.
Other ways to help yourself: Relaxation, breathing techniques, connecting with others and finding some activity that adds joy to your life.
Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for survival. Stress depletes your body of these minerals. As you figure out how to manage your stress, make sure you are getting proper nutrition. These include things like B vitamins, antioxidants (hello blueberries), magnesium, omega-3’s, and fiber. Let’s see; blueberries, spinach, oatmeal, (your mom was right) and salmon is a good place to start. Say: NO MORE FAST FOOD!