Managing Stress

After a stressful year, it is important to get back in touch with the things that make us happy and allow us to relax. It is not always easy finding a way to de-stress but don't worry, we are always here to help!

Here are a couple of ways we release stress.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways you can relieve stress. Not just because you feel good due to the accomplishment, but because of all the physiological processes that go on during medium to high-intensity exercise. One of the hormones responsible for the body's stress response is cortisol which readies your body for survival. During a stressful week, cortisol can build up in your body and cause those feelings of stress. One of the best ways to get rid of this excess cortisol is by exercising. This will leave you feeling relieved and relaxed. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins, this is why exercise is said to give you a natural high, as endorphins are responsible for feelings of pleasure. Those marathon runners don't look quite so crazy now.

Bubble bath

One of my favorite things to do after a stressful weak is to take a nice warm bath with Epsom salts and my favorite essential oil. It allows my body to relax and soothes any tension I have in my joints. After, I feel so relaxed and ready for a great night sleep. Warm baths are also thought to improve circulation, lower blood pressure and relieve symptoms of colds.

Eat

Sometimes the best way to help you feel better is to eat better, when you have energy to do things, you don't feel so stressed about everything you have to get done. The two most important things to energy is sleep and what you eat. If you don't eat a well balanced diet, you simply wont have energy, this is a simple biological issue. If you don't provide a car with enough oil, it wont run as well and will eventually break down. You re like the car, except much more complicated with an array of essential micro and macro nutrients that you need every day to survive. Most important are the macro nutrients, protein, fat and carbohydrates, without any one of these you will likely feel drained. Just as important are micro nutrients like vitamin B3, zinc and iron, each gained from a different part of your diet.

Being healthy and looking after yourself makes you feel good and energetic. Take care of your self.