5 Ways to Stay Healthy During Times of Stress.
Stress can be a difficult thing to deal with. It is hard to eat healthy when you are struggling emotionally or physically. You'd be surprised by how much your diet can affect your emotions, mood, and overall disposition. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do, it might be time for a diet adjustment!
It's not easy to live with consistently large amounts of stress - but in this day and age, it's almost impossible to avoid. Not only is it a daily inconvenience, it can also cause significant health problems like heart disease and depression. It can also make you eat and drink more than usual in order to cope. Although it might provide immediate satisfaction, overeating food when you are stressed will only have negative long-term effects. This article describes how you can manage your stress hormones and stay in peak form throughout stressful periods.
So what's the answer? The solution is maintaining a healthy, nutrient-rich diet. But you probably already knew that - so the real question is how? Here are five effective ways to help you stay nourished and on track throughout periods of stress.
Small, Frequent Meals.
One of the easiest ways to help manage your diet during stressful times is to eat small meals frequently. This will keep you from getting too hungry, or overeating when it comes time for a meal. It will also allow your body more time to digest each smaller portion before needing another one! Eating regularly can be just as satisfying as eating fewer, larger meals. Furthermore, your blood sugar levels will stay maintained, allowing you to have increased mental energy and decreased stress levels.
Hydrate Before and After.
Next on the list is a way to help you stay full without adding any calories. Drinking water before and after each meal will make it much more difficult for your body to feel hunger. The fact that there are no empty calories means nothing gets stored as fat this way either. It is suggested to drink anywhere from 20 - 40 ounces of water before and after a meal in order to promote healthy body functions.
If you don't enjoy the taste of water, or it doesn't sound appealing, then try adding sugar-free electrolytes to your drinking water instead! Electrolytes are a natural way to keep your body hydrated and feeling full without any adverse side effects. Electrolytes also have a ton of added benefits, like increasing energy and endurance levels. They can also effectively manage your stress hormones and help you stay in peak form throughout stressful periods.
Make Time for You.
Thirdly, make sure to take time for yourself! This can mean many different things, depending on your preference. If possible, try starting your day with a quick walk before heading into the office or even taking your lunch break outside. Even a small amount of time surrounded by fresh air can help reset your body and mind. If night activities work better for you, you can always light some candles and run a bath or just set aside some time to read your favorite book - might seem cliche, but it works!
Making time for yourself has been shown to combat stress, reduce mood swings, and boost energy levels. Prioritize whatever makes you feel most at peace for at least fifteen, ideally thirty minutes a day.
Break a Sweat.
Last but not least, add some physical activity to the routine if possible. A common misconception is having to do a long, high-intensity workout to reap the benefits. Not true! Even if you can't fit in a full workout, taking a walk around the block or doing a quick core activation workout is a great way to help manage stress levels. It will release endorphins into your system as well, which will make you feel better and generally more satisfied.
Just getting outside and doing something active is better than nothing at all, and it can really make a difference. This will make your stress hormones go down and help you feel better in the long run!
Take Care of Yourself.
Remember that stress is temporary! It will eventually pass, and things can go back to normal with a couple of tweaks in your routine. In the meantime, eating well, hydrating properly, and managing your exercise levels can help you feel good about yourself even through tough times.
If you are after specific food advice for stress, it is recommended that you consume more whole foods and less processed items. While it is easy to reach for some chocolate or a bag of chips when you are stressed, they typically offer few nutrients and contain additives that can actually be harmful in large quantities. Try eating more fruits and vegetables instead - the vitamins will give your body energy while helping you relax too.
Make sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can be a huge factor in stress levels and mood swings; try drinking at least 80 - 100 ounces of water every day - more if you are exercising or sweating profusely. Electrolytes are a great way to increase your energy levels and manage your stress levels if you want that extra boost.
Electrolytes help the body retain water and stay hydrated without any adverse side effects like bloating or cramping! High-quality electrolytes can be found in most premium health food stores or here on our online store. We have three great-tasting flavors that are sugar and calorie-free!
It is imperative to eat well, hydrate, and nourish your body and mind when stressed out. There are various other ways to combat the weight fluctuation and fatigue that comes with increased stress levels, but these five points should be a good start for anyone trying to maintain their health and fitness goals during stressful parts of life.