Stress Busters

Stress Busters

Our body's reaction to stress is known as the fight or flight response. In our ancestors' time this response enabled them to fight or run from a predator. Today the cause of our stress may be different but our body reacts in the same manner. However the chemical changes in our body are not used as nature intended but, over time the shift in emphasis towards our heart, lungs and muscles is at the expense of other systems like digestion and our immune system. Stress is also placed upon our nervous system, heart and blood vessels.


12 tips to help you adjust to stress: 1. Identify the cause of your stress Small, positive steps towards addressing its source and degree will help your body manage it more effectively. 2. Conflict resolution or constructive dialogue These can help you better manage a situation. For example, consulting a professional about time or financial management may be useful. Take steps that help you feel more confident about your ability to resolve the issues. 3. Help your body's chemistry On a physical level, our body's response to stress is a chemical process. Hormones and other elements that control this are affected by our diet and environment. Eating nutritious foods that support our hormonal and nervous systems will help us manage stress more effectively. Minimize the use of stimulants such as coffee or food additives which aggravate these systems. 4. Eat more fruit and vegetables Foods rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium and the B vitamins and vitamin C nourish our nervous system and adrenal glands which control the stress response. Fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds are excellent sources. Green vegetables are rich in magnesium and calcium while most fruits supply plenty of potassium and vitamin C. Eat a variety of colorful foods -- greens, reds, oranges, yellows. The vitamins, minerals and other plant nutrients within these foods assist our body's restorative efforts. 5. Wholesome oats Oats are used in herbal medicine to soothe the nervous system. A comforting bowl of oatmeal will help you feel calmer and balance blood sugar levels. 6. Drink more water Our body is about 75% water and dehydration affects its ability to manage stress. Note that thirst is a late symptom of dehydration rather than an early one. Drink a daily minimum of 8 glasses of water (not coffee, tea, soft drinks or beer). 7. Use calming herbs Many herbs relieve stress and anxiety. Lavender, Skullcap and Withania teas can be found in health food stores. Homeopathic remedies and flower essences can be soothing. 8. Boost your immunity The stress response inhibits our immune system, making us more prone to colds and infections. Zinc, vitamin C and immune-boosting herbs such as Echinacea and Astragalus are useful. Pumpkin seeds and ginger root are excellent sources of zinc. Fresh peppers provide a high dose of vitamin C. 9. Exercise Moving our body is fabulous in fighting stress. Moderate exercise encourages the production of endorphins, our "feel-good hormones." It helps reduce blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. Intense exercise can help relieve pent-up aggression. 10. Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption These rob the body of many nutrients which are required to metabolize them, including those that support our nervous system and adrenals. 11. Treat yourself to a massage This has a relaxing effect on the nervous system and relieves muscular tension. The physical feel-good factor benefits us on both hormonal and emotional levels. 12. Get plenty of sleep If you're having problems sleeping, the herbs Chamomile, Passionflower and Valerian are sedatives. Related articles: Exercise and Stress Management, Massage's Health Benefits, Boost Energy, Boost Productivity