We all know what it feels like to be under heavy deadlines, or have life changing decisions to make, or even just be overwhelmed with the business of life. All of these demands and expectations can take a major toll on your stress levels, and unfortunately keeping it under control is easier said than done.
We chatted to Dr. Maureen Allem, the founder and medical director at Skin, Body and Health Renewal, about stress management. She explained the importance of maintaining balanced adrenalin, cortisone and melatonin levels, and shared a few easy tips you can follow in order to do so.
1 Check your diet
Obviously, you need to ensure that your diet consists of healthy foods – the more raw foods you eat, the better. It’s also important that you have a balanced intake of all the food groups – veggies, fruit, carbs, meat and dairy.
2 Stay active
Make sure you get a decent amount of exercise each week, start off with 30 minute workouts 3 times a week. But be careful not to overdo it – exercising very vigorously can negatively affect the adrenals.
3 Take supplements
If you’re really battling with stress, you could be suffering from adrenal dysfunction. Taking dietary supplements or hormone therapy can help reverse the effects, but make sure you ask a doctor to help you decide which supplements you should take.
4 Keep rested
Never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. As your bedtime approaches, start winding down and keep your activity to a minimum. Turn down your music (maybe switch to some soothing tunes?), and dim your lights a bit. Your body needs that time to recuperate.
5 Quit bad habits
You won’t believe the negative impact just a cigarette a day can have on your adrenalin levels. And not in a good way. It’s really a habit worth ditching. Keep your caffeine and alcohol intake under control – both of these affect the release of melatonin, which is sure to keep you awake at night.
6 Get a furry friend
Studies suggest that owning a pet can have great improvements on your physical and psychological health. So adopting a furry friend may be a really beneficial move for your stress levels. Isn’t this the best news ever? Great excuse to get your man to buy you that kitty you’ve been eyeing at the pet store.
7 Therapies and
Therapies like acupuncture, massages and yoga have shown success in stress management. You could also consider treatments like hormonal balancing or thyroid regulation to help release your stress.
Want more peace and calm in your life? Here are 15 easy tips for a stress-free life.
