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6 Practical Tips for Combating Stress

Posted on by Village Green Nutrition Team

stressWith deadlines looming, family obligations, a to-do list as long as your arm, and difficult life situations consuming your attention, the stress can make you feel like you're constantly fighting something – and as far as your body and brain are concerned, you are!

The way we cope with stress matters, so here are a few tips to keep in mind to help mitigate the negative effects on both body and mind.

Tips to Combat Stress

1. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Unhealthy ways of dealing with draining circumstances might bring temporary relief, but indulging in vices like drinking alcohol to excess, smoking cigarettes, or doing drugs carries dangerous side effects and can make you feel worse in the long run. Other unhealthy coping mechanisms include withdrawal from friends, family, and people in general (hibernating), overeating (or eating junk food), or wallowing in negative feelings without seeking help.

2. Adopt healthy strategies.

Luckily, there are healthy stress management strategies that can improve your life and general sense of well-being. These include:

  • Making time for self-care
  • Getting enough sleep each night
  • Eating a nutritious diet
  • Seeking medical care if you need it

Setting aside some time each day to do something you enjoy – like reading, crafting or going for a hike – can have a positive effect on your well-being.

3. Avoid stressful situations.

You sometimes have the option to remove yourself from stressful situations. For example, you might need to cut ties with toxic people, or change jobs if the environment is causing you continual unhappiness.

4. Take a breath.

Deep breathing lowers your anxiety by sending messages to your brain that it's time to calm down, and your brain then passes it on to your body.

5. Get active.

Exercise produces endorphins, which are nature's painkiller. Endorphins help you sleep better and lower your body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Yoga benefits your mind, body and breathing, too, as it lowers heart rate and blood pressure, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation and a feeling of calm.

6. Take supportive nutrients.

Nutritional supplementation may also help manage stress. Taking foundational supplements provides you with core nutrients to support optimal health. If you still find that stress is impacting you day to day, the supplements found in Pathway's Anxiety Support Bundle can help promote calming and soothing support.

Another option is the Sleep Support Bundle, which is for those who find stress affecting their sleep. Quality sleep is such a critical part of our health and well-being. Unfortunately, so many people struggle with getting consistent restful sleep. Whether you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, this trio of supplements can help to promote relaxation and restorative sleep.

Managing stress is not easy, but with supplements, diet and lifestyle, things can be better. Be sure to consult with your primary care practitioner if you find yourself overwhelmed and need extra support.

Photo from here, with thanks.

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