If you're like me, you've experienced those days where your mind is the world's fastest checklist from the time you wake-up to the time you (try to) go to bed. Whether it's work, kids, money, your significant other, or life events, prolonged stress can wreak serious havoc on your life... not to mention your health. Below are 5 ways to help manage stress and invest in your health.
1. Workout/ Go for a Walk/ Hop on the Bike
Studies have shown again and again that as little as 15-minutes of exercise a day can result in increased feelings of happiness, calm, and focus and decreased feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. I'm a big fan of hiking so I included a link to the MN State Parks website where you can check out different State Parks in your area.
2. Drink lots of water
We all know we should drink enough water. How much water we require is dependent on our activity, metabolism, toxic load, diet, and stress-level among other things. A couple notes on water: 1) make sure you're drinking filtered water (helps to reduce chemicals added to sanitize water and heavy metals from pipes and sediment), 2) sipping is better than chugging, 3) let your body tell you when enough is enough (urine should be nearly clear and have a mild odor).
3. Eat Clean
Stress shifts the nervous system from "rest and relax" to "fight or flight" mode which seriously messes with your hormone profiles. As a result, people generally feel more hungry and crave high calorie foods with a lot of fats and sugars. Coupled with a lack of time, people grab for the nachos, chocolate, and frozen pizzas which only add more stress to the body's systems. Instead, take the time to run to the grocery store and commit to buying ONLY healthy foods that are also quick to eat such as avocados, bananas, green beans, apples, salads, etc.. If you know stressful times are ahead, prepare by freezing healthy soups and other meals and keeping your shelves clear of tempting treats.
4. Reset
This one is probably the most difficult for me. The days you have the least amount of time to spend 15-minutes in silence are the days you most should. Meditating, praying, yoga, being grateful, counting your blessings, sending love, whatever recharges your mind and spirit. Depending on my mood and current emotional state, I may do one or many of these. Find what works for you. Here are some Meditation Apps to get you started.
5. See your Chiropractor
Remember that change in your nervous system we talked about earlier? That's where your chiropractor can help out. Your spinal cord aka: your body's "information highway" connecting your brain to every cell, tissue, and organ in the body is encased within your spine. Your chiropractor can stimulate specific levels of the spine and nervous system to influence nervous tone. That's why your chiropractor will often recommend increasing adjustments during time of mental and emotional stress.