Simple lifestyle hacks to help you deal with stress

When stress goes from manageable to out-of-control, it pays to have some handy stress relief strategies up your sleeve.

Bills, work, exams, traffic, relationships – life’s demands can pile up at times, leading to stress, fatigue, and irritability.

While the trick is not to let the pile overwhelm you, at times it can seem easier said than done. Here are some simple strategies to help you through stressful times.

Easy diet and lifestyle hacks to help you handle stress

Diet and lifestyle play a huge role in how we handle stress. With a couple of easy tweaks however, we can change the way our body responds and deals with stress.

Build your brain with protein

A palm size portion of protein with every meal can help balance blood sugar levels and stabilise moods. Stress interferes with the brain chemicals that control mood (particularly serotonin), affecting our ability to handle and perceive stress. Protein helps support healthy levels of these mood-controllers.

Curb the caffeine

As much as a caffeine-boost seems like the answer, it often worsens the problem. High levels of caffeine over-stimulate the brain and nervous system and increase cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body. If fatigue and concentration are the problem, try herbal teas or natural medicines that provide support during stressful times.

Move that stress

Regular exercise helps produce anti-stress chemicals, so you can cope better. It’s also a great way to pound out some of that excess stress energy. Aim for 30 minutes, five or more times a week.

Breathe

Take five minutes every day to focus on your breathing. Slowed breathing (in for seven seconds and out for eight) calms your nervous system response and helps slow those racing thoughts.

Get your groove on

Make time to do things that make you happy – whatever that is. Both relaxation and having fun (whichever you prefer) helps increase mood-enhancing chemicals and reduce the accumulating effects of stress.

Don’t be tempted by booze

While it may appear to help at the time, it’s highly likely you’ll feel worse the next day and just as stressed after a night on the booze. Alcohol also depletes vital stress-coping vitamins and minerals in the body, exacerbating the problem in the long run.

How to find stress relief.

Get support – naturally

If you’ve been stressed for a long time and it’s causing you problems, you may need a helping hand. There are some really effective natural ingredients available that may help the body during times of stress.

Ginseng for fatigue support

Ginseng is well known for its anti-stress effects. While there are five different types of ginseng, all of them help the body during stress. If you’re feeling stressed and fatigued, look for a supplement that contains all five ginsengs.

B less stressed

B vitamins are essential to supporting healthy brain and body function during times of stress. When Vitamin B levels are low, you may feel tired and mentally and emotionally “off”. Use a multivitamin that contains at least 50mg of each B vitamin for the best stress reduction effects.

Mellow with magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral needed to keep us calm and relaxed. When we’re stressed we use a lot of energy, leaving our mind and body over-stimulated and tense. Look for a high-strength, easily absorbable magnesium supplement to help relax your muscles and turn the volume down on your stress.

Brought to you by Ethical Nutrients

Shop for Ethical Nutrients at Chemist Warehouse.

Images via Shutterstock
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