Tackling Stress - The Healthy Formula
- Jonny Parr
- Jul 16, 2018
- 2 min read
The pitfalls of stress affect us all at some point in our lives. Whether it be in social, work or even those goddam driving ‘cut you off’ situations.
We all experience the bad, and the sometimes good, side effects of its presence.
Accepting and recognising this fact is the first good thing you can do.
Your next step should be to combat its negative influence. Perhaps unsurprisingly, two of the best methods of doing this are exercise and nutrition.
Let’s delve into some more detail.
1. Nutrition
A poor diet consisting of high sugar and processed foods can spike your energy levels. This initial high is short-lived and the aftermath can result in you feeling fatigued, lethargic, and irritated. This in turn causes stress.
An answer in combating this is to eat balanced macro meals of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. What's more, you should aim to eat as much wholesome and natural foods as possible.
Carbohydrates - In terms of carbs, eating complex carbs such as brown and sweet potatoes are best.
Vegetables - You should aim to eat fresh veggies such as broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, or peppers, that contain essential nutrients that your body uses to function and fight infection.
Fats - Healthy fats are essential to physical and emotional health. Good sources include fish, nuts such as almonds, and coconut oil. Try to limit trans and saturated fats.
Protein - The cornerstone of repairing the body and maintaining muscle is that of protein. For most people, foods such as chicken, nuts, eggs and fish will provide the staple of their protein intake.
2. Exercise
The second tool in your arsenal is to get moving. Doing exercise whether in the form of sports, the gym, training at home or leisurely activities such as walking can all help tackle stress.
Why is this the case?
Exercise Releases Endorphins - Endorphins are feel good hormones that your body releases during and after exercise elevating your mood and assisting attributes such as motivation and concentration.
Welcome Distractions - Due to everyday stresses, it's both a welcome distraction and and healthy to focus on activities at a particular moment.
Exercise can help you forget irritations and focus solely on the task at hand such as breathing and movement.
Social Benefits - This of course depends on the type of exercise you undertake but there is a mass of research supporting training in groups. This environment is both highly motivating and supportive towards people on both a social and exercise level. This elevates mood significantly.
Desk Routine
Here's a quick routine I've shared before which can help boost your energy levels and release those endorphins - a key feel good hormone that helps combat stress.
Closing
Combating stress is not an easy fight. However, small steps such as taking control of your nutrition and exercise will go a long way in winning that war.
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