Being in a complete state of relaxation is not something that comes naturally to lot of people. We haven’t been taught how to properly handle stress and the importance of finding relaxing activities, practice physical exercise and eat nutritious food to get through our busy and fast-paced days.
We all have commitments and things to go through every day whether it is work, family, friends, or our personal hobbies. Learning how to balance everything and find time to reconnect with ourselves can be challenging and sometimes we get caught up in worry and stress.
Stress comes in many forms and produces different symptoms. When we are under a lot of pressure our body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, that can cause us to experience physical symptoms like muscle tension, fatigue, or neck pain to name a few.
Having a healthy and balanced diet is very important for stress management, there are many dietary considerations that can help relieve stress. Adding foods rich in antioxidants can be of great help to ease symptoms that we might be experiencing. Pure Flavor® Juno® Bites Red Grape Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin C, that will give you the boost you need throughout the day. You can enjoy these crunchy and sweet tomatoes as a raw snack or cooked in your favorite meals- these healthy treats delight in every way.
Some days we don’t have enough time to cook meals for the day and we end up skipping them. When you go for long periods of time without eating, it can cause your blood sugar to drop. One great tip to avoid skipping meals is adding to-go snacks into your meal planning. Poco Bites® Cocktail Cucumbers are the perfect bite-sized snack you can bring everywhere. These refreshing and crisp cukes will keep you hydrated and are great source of Vitamin K and essential nutrients.
Eating nutrient dense veggies in every meal is as equally important as doing regular exercise. Start by incorporating healthy habits that complement each other. Nourish your mind and body with calm, enjoyable activities, and high-quality nutrient foods.
There are several practices we can adopt in our daily lives that will help us reduce stress hormones, foster relaxation, and stimulate the production of endorphins (chemicals in the brain are natural mood elevators.) Regular physical activity is vital for good health and it helps reduce blood pressure and blood sugar. Something simple, like a 20-minute walk, can help reduce stress and help relax the muscles and mind.
Let’s talk about Yoga. It’s an ancient practice that combines breathing with a series of postures. Being able to coordinate every inhalation and exhalation with each movement gives us a mental focus that helps us calm and relax the mind. It has been proven that practicing yoga has positive health effects and is a great option to reduce stress. Another great benefit of this practice is that you don’t need anything but yourself. If you have a yoga mat and block that’s great, but you can get all the benefits by just practicing on your own.
Another activity that we can incorporate into our day-to-day is meditation. Meditation is a series of techniques that helps achieve a state of complete relaxation through breathing, mindfulness, and awareness. Getting into a clear and calm state takes practice. You don’t have to meditate for hours to get all the benefits. Start with 5 to 10 minute guided meditations, that will be enough to find that relaxation state you are looking for.
You can always take your yoga practice, meditation or favorite type of exercise outside for a change of scenery. Being outdoors and surrounded by nature can provide instant happiness and a positive energy boost. It is well known that spending time in nature has many physical and mental benefits: it clears our mind, and it brings us into the present moment. Connecting with nature is a great way to relax! Make time in your week to go the park, mountains, beach, woods, or in front of any outdoor place will give you the calm you need.
It’s very important to remember that we’re all unique and you need to take the time to find an activity that is right for you. Make sure you choose one that fits your lifestyle best and, most importantly, one that you enjoy doing.
It takes time to adopt new activities into our routine, but with regular practice you will notice a difference in your stress levels, your energy levels, your mood, your quality of sleep, your mental health and your overall health and wellbeing.
