10 Tips to Ward Off Stress

10 Tips to Ward Off Stress

By LO Solutions

LO Solutions often talks about stress with clients (even before food) because stress hormones can mess up your metabolism and decrease critical thinking skills -which are vital to feeling good and making wise and healthy food and life choices. Continual stress reactions in your life may cause an excess of adrenaline and stress hormones in your body, which can wear you down over time - contributing to a host of stress-related health problems. Here are 10 simple LO Solutions tips to help you ward off stress and create a more balanced life, body, and mind

1. Eat primarily fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Why organic? In short, less pesticides (which can create free radicals, which lead to such diseases mentioned above). Go to the web to search and find the top 12 fruits and vegetables that are most recommended to buy organic.
2. Limit intake of 'empty calorie' foods (those high in sugar and fat) as they leave less room for nutrient dense foods. Non-nutrient dense food (i.e., junk food), can cause a spike in insulin and thus stress hormones, and create irrational thinking. Skipping meals can create the same issue. In short, you won't feel good which produces a stress cycle.
3. Exercise regularly. Cardiovascular, resistance training and flexibility all count.
4. Get enough sleep (Yes, 8 hrs is still recommended). You DO need sleep and the time you go to bed matters too.
5. Practice a stress-reducing meditation or another stress reducing practice. Meditations can be short and effective. Breathe, do yoga, take a bath, get a massage, do something just for you that calms your mind and body.
6. Avoid overloading your senses. Turn off all your incoming electronic information for one whole day: TV, radio, newspaper, email, phone, etc. The world will NOT fall apart. Turn off all devices at least 1 hour before bed to calm your nervous system.
7. Listen to relaxing music, or up-beat fun music. Dance around!
8. Have fun. Laugh like you're a kid again. Look up a joke of the day and tell it.
9. Avoid excess alcohol, cigarettes and too much caffeine, which can all increase stress hormones.
10. Supplement wisely. Don't waste your money. Visit a nutritionist to learn more about supplements and which you, specifically, can benefit from taking. Don't remember why you're taking some or wonder if you should be taking them all anymore? A dietician or nutritionist can help.

Bottom line: Be light. Light-heartedness encourages creativity, inspiration, and happiness. Take deep breaths and let your heart be your guide. Try to have fun and generate laughter every day instead of stress!