Fight stress for better health De-stress your life with these tips Story by Shannon Serpette
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octors and researchers frequently talk about the dangers of stress, referring to it as a silent killer. When you’re experiencing high levels of stress, you can feel it, and it can result in many symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, headaches, and muscle pain. Some stress is unavoidable, though, especially if you have a health issue, a high-stress job, or never-ending family drama. Rather than seeking to avoid all stress, it’s in your best interest to develop some ways to cope with it.
EATING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Food can make the effects of stress better or worse, according to Peru Hy-Vee dietitian Haleigh Kneebone Augspols. So, it’s important to carefully select what you’ll be eating, particularly when you know you’ll be facing some unavoidable stress. She recommends eating regular, well-balanced, nutritious meals. In addition, Kneebone Augspols said it’s best to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. The minerals and vitamins in these foods, such as vitamin E, copper, and zinc, can help neutralize damaging molecules that ramp up when you are facing stress, she said. Vitamin C is another helpful nutrient that can help you fight stress by lowering the amount of cortisol in your body, according to Augspols. Instead of stress eating potato chips, the next time you’re feeling edgy, reach for an orange instead.
GET MOVING Exercise is good for your body and your mind. Some people find that running is a great way to relax, but it doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout to benefit you. “I would say the one thing I like to do is a long walk out in the country alone. It takes my mind to a better place,” Kathy Reno of Standard said. If you don’t have much time, even a five-minute yoga session can help. Augspols is also a big believer in exercise for fighting stress. “Some things I do to relieve stress are going for a walk with my dog, working out, drinking tea, listening to my favorite music, or forcing my pets and husband to cuddle with me,” she said.
SPENDING TIME WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE “I have a lot of different types of stresses in my life,” Peggy Smith of Magnolia said. One method she uses to unwind when she’s feeling the effects of that stress is spending time with her loved ones. “I love to hold and play with my grandkids,” she said. “Holding them close and putting them to sleep or singing to them will melt any stressful thoughts real fast.”
20 May 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Don’t Skip The Omega-3s Taking in less Omega-3 fatty acids than you should can lead to anxiety or depression, which already might be a problem when you’re feeling stressed out. Try eating some flaxseed, walnuts, or fish oil for a helpful dose of healthy fats, Augspols said.
