Stress is an inevitable part of modern life. Yet it does not have to become the ruling force or primary motivation for your actions. The mind body connection is a powerful one, and addressing your body's physical needs as well as your emotional state is an important step toward managing the unpleasant physical sensations and emotional reactions to stress. Here are 5 natural methods to address stress management and control the related anxiety:
1. Make sure you are eating enough, and the right kinds of food. If stress is taking away your appetite, leave high protein, high quality snacks around the house or workplace, or carry them with you in your bag or purse. If sitting down to a full meal is overwhelming, a handful of snack food in passing can be much more manageable. Try jerky, mixed nuts, non-wheat crackers (wheat is correlated with an increase in depressive symptoms in many people), or trail mix.
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If your tendency is to overeat during times of stress, choose healthy foods and don't eat while distracted, i.e. watching tv. Many people find it helpful to set a cut off time for eating in the evening, i.e. no food after 7 pm.
2. Implement an exercise program. Of course, make sure you are cleared by your health care practitioner before beginning to exercise. The goal is to use cardiovascular exercise as a mood enhancer, rather than settling on a particular physical or weight loss goal. Ideally, you will work up to 45 minutes of cardio exercise 5 days per week. Keep in mind, however, that any exercise is better than none at all, and will have a positive impact on your stress levels.
3. Use supplements to enhance mood and reduce anxiety. One such supplement is L-Theanine, which may be found at online as well as at your natural health practitioner's office. This comes in a spray form or a capsule, and calms anxiety without drowsiness. You may also try 5 HTP, a natural antidepressant often used in conjunction with L-Theanine. Be sure you are taking a good food-based multivitamin and calcium as well.
4. Talk it out. A counselor is a great person to talk through your stressors and anxieties with, and so are close friends and those in your life who you trust to give you wise counsel. Often saying the problem out loud helps reduce its perceived size in your mind. Also, your friends or counselor may have valuable insight and assist you in seeing other perspectives and solutions to problems.
5. Practice other forms of self care. Try creating list of small, simple things you can do that you enjoy and that honor the person that you are. Do one of these things on the list each day, and check them off when you have completed them.