The Role Of Nutrition In Stress Management
Nutrition. A certain amount of stress in ones life is actually essential. In order to be stimulated to meet the challenges of everyday life, a little stress is needed. When stress is constant and acute, however, it can have dangerous consequences.
Unfortunately in todays fast paced society of overwork and constant influx from media outlets of all the tragedy this is all too common. Since stress is both natural and unavoidable, it is necessary to understand it and learn how to manage it.
Stress has both physical and emotional effects and can create positive or negative feelings, stress also affects people differently, What may be distressing to one person may be comfortable to another.
Stress management is important to good health, as good health is important to stress management. Balanced nutrition is essential to maintaining overall good health, and can also affect ones ability to cope with stress. During periods of stress you need more of all nutrients.
If your body is lacking in nutrients, particularly the B vitamins that affect the nervous system and calcium that the body needs to counteract the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles, your body is not equipped to handle stress effectively. It is ironic that many people use the excuse of being too busy or too stressed to eat healthy and have proper nutrition. Since every person is unique, nutritional needs vary to some degree.
Universally however when the body is under stress, nutrient stores are depleted. If you find yourself experiencing some of the signs and symptoms of stress such as fatigue, irritability, headaches, muscle aches, stomach problems, it may be a good idea to examine your diet to make sure that you are getting the proper nutrients and to make changes where needed including adding supplements if needed. You should choose meals that you enjoy eating and try to eat at a relaxed pace.
Today's Stress Cure FactStressThese include limiting or elimination of caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, and junk food. Having a well balanced diet and not eating too much or too little, Getting adequate sleep, taking some leisure time, Regular exercise, including both physical and relaxation exercises such as meditation or yoga.
Change the way you think. Try to look at things more positively, keep a sense of humor, try to refute negative thoughts, turn problems into opportunity and just overall look at things in a more positive manner. Unwillingness to change is something that needs to be overcome in order to manage stress effectively. In some instances the most beneficial form of stress management is in changes to ones situation. This may include changing jobs, possibly leaving a relationship, developing problem solving skills and effective time and money management.
stress managment
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Stress Fighting Foods |
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Some basic tips that everyone can use for good nutrition to achieve general health and well -being and to be most effective in stress management are: Dont skip meals. It is important to start the day with breakfast. It is difficult to eat a balanced diet of all of the things your body needs if you are not eating frequently enough. Also eating more often improves metabolic function.
Avoid too much caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant; it actually causes stress to the body. While the short term effects of caffeinated beverages may seem helpful, and it may not seem like it at the time, the long term affects are harmful to the body.
Its okay to snack. As long as they are healthy snacks, too often when feeling anxious or stressed people opt for high fat, sugary or salty snacks.
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Watch your favorite comedy show or film. Laughter can be a great stress reducer.
If you can't watch a show, then find some joke websites you can visit to find some jokes that will give you a laugh. |
Healthy snacks like almonds, peanuts, fruit, yogurt, string cheese, soy nuts or low fat granola will give you the energy you need without all of the harmful effects, as well as helping you to maintain your weight. A good diet is vital for keeping you healthy and managing stress.
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The Edison-Norwood Times Review welcomes items for our Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication, but earlier is better. Items are printed as space allows, and publication is not guaranteed. E-mail items to parkridge@pioneerlocal.com; fax to (847) 696-3229; or mail to: Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL, 60068.
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Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
The Edison-Norwood Times Review welcomes items for our Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication, but earlier is better. Items are printed as space allows, and publication is not guaranteed. E-mail items to parkridge@pioneerlocal.com; fax to (847) 696-3229; or mail to: Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL, 60068.
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Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
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Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
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