No matter how much we plan for things, making lists and setting goals, life can throw obstacles into our path that can lead to stress. So when your family is taking up every ounce of energy you have, how can you find your inner calm and your drive to power on? This post aims to explore the simple changes you can make in order to keep yourself feeling calm and collected.
Eating healthily can work wonders for your body, but it can also improve your state of mind. Experts recommend eating wholegrains such as brown rice, oats and wheat bran as well as fruit (dried and fresh), herbs, vegetables, pulses and beans to beat stress. The reason these foodstuffs are so good is that they are high in fibre, which keeps blood sugar levels under control. Pulses also contain a good supply of vitamin B and minerals, which can help you to find the energy to face a hectic occasion. If you choose to support your healthy diet with a good multivitamin, find the one that best suits your age and situation from the Lloyds Pharmacy online pharmacy. Other supplements that may be helpful include evening primrose oil and starflower oil, which help to balance women’s hormones. You may find these help you to stay stress-free throughout your monthly cycle.
Exercise is a fantastic way to beat stress. The Stress Management Society says that exercise is “your shortest route to a feeling of well-being and a physical glow,” calling it “one of the best stress combatants available”. Physical activity helps to get rid of stress hormones and releases endorphins – the happy hormones. So not only will you feel calmer, you’ll get a feel-good boost that lasts.
If high intensity exercise isn’t for you, you may want to adopt a few light stretches from yoga, and slowly build up your repertoire to a full workout. Yoga is particularly useful to sufferers of stress as it reduces the condition’s physical symptoms – relaxing tense muscles and lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Along with giving you a more supple and flexible body, yoga can help you to sleep well – an essential component in the battle against stress.
