April showers may bring May flowers, but waiting for Spring to warm up after months of cold, snow and rain can be stressful. Top that off with the chaotic uncertainty of a modern world, and you’re walking around carrying one big ball of stress.
Time for a self-check! April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to take a pause and recognize the common symptoms of stress that if go unchecked, can harm your overall wellbeing.
Whether it’s parenting or family stress, job or relationship stress, or an increasing fatigue and worry from daily living, stress can have a wide range of physical and mental effects on us including headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, high blood pressure, depression or disturbed sleep, to name a few. In fact, 75-90% of all doctors’ visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.
Tips to Manage Stress: Switching up to a healthier lifestyle
Keep hydrated! Dehydration can amplify the body’s stress response and increase cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Staying hydrated can also help maintain a positive and balanced mood and improve sleep quality. Aim to drink about 3.7 liters of water a day for men and 2.7 liters for women. If the taste of water has you rolling your eyes, mix in a packet of True Lemon wedge replacement and add a fresh squeezed taste of citrus with zero calories and no sugar.
Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein. Don’t skimp on flavor by adding better for you no salt seasonings that will enhance and liven up your dishes with no sodium.
Break up with your coffee. Or at least put her on pause for a while. Excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to a variety of negative effects, no matter how good it can make you feel in the short term. Anxiety, insomnia, and increased heart rate are all issues that can increase your stress levels and put your nervous system into overdrive. Instead, opt for caffeine-free based alternatives like matcha or chai, or plant-based options like coconut water or low calorie smoothies which will give you much more nutrients and energy in the long run.
Partake in mild daily exercise, about 30 minutes a couple of days a week. A great way to destress with a walk, stretching or yoga session that can also help quiet your mind and promote relaxation.
The stresses of daily life will never be fully eliminated, but with a few lifestyle tweaks, a healthy body and mind will help smooth out the hard edges.
