Do you feel stressed?
Are you constantly tired?
What about, overwhelmed and anxious?
If you’ve answered YES to any of the above, then fear not, dear AlgaeCal readers. We’re here to help you today with this stress-fighting post.
But before we get to finding out how to deal with stress effectively, we first need to understand: What is stress? And, how does stress affect my body?
First and foremost, stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand. It happens when we feel we can’t cope with pressure and this pressure comes in many shapes and forms.
When you start to stress, whether it’s about a work project, family or bills piling up, your body tries to cope. Stress is part of the fight or flight response that people have developed over years and years of evolution to stay safe from harm and get the kick they need to take down the sabre tooth tiger threatening the tribe. In fact, our tree and cave dwelling ancestors needed stress to escape predators and ensure they were motivated to go hunting and gathering for survival.
However, the stress of the modern world can wreak havoc on your body. When you start to stress, a range of changes start to happen inside you and some of them are really nasty. Stress causes your heart to beat faster, your blood pressure rises and your muscles start to tense up. Additionally, your digestive system slows down so you don’t get the energy you need and your immune system weakens, thereby making you more susceptible to sickness.
In the short term, stress makes you feel uneasy, hyper alert and tired, all at once, which is really unpleasant. But long term, stress can kill. Stress doubles your chances of a heart attack. The building pressure and workrate on your organs just makes it too difficult to function and your body will eventually give up.
It’s not all bad news though.
We’ve come up with some great ways for how to relieve stress! Check out the list we’ve compiled for you. Here are the 7 foods that reduce stress!
1. Avocado
Avocado isn’t just for guacamole. This creamy fruit is one of the best foods that relieve stress. It’s rich in easily digestible good and healthy fats. Plus, it has glutathione to protect your insides and lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin E and folate. It’s easy to add avocado to your diet. Have it on toast in the morning, scoop it into your lunchtime salad, or have it with tacos or a burrito for dinner!
2. Berries
A stable for the yoga guru. If you need something to show you how to deal with stress, then add some berries to your yogurt, cereal or just grab a healthy handful!Blueberries, Raspberries and Strawberries all pack a powerful antioxidant punch, which helps fight the causes and symptoms of stress. They may seem tiny, but they are jam-packed full of vitamins that help your body to relax. Now, what’s next on AlgaeCal’s list of mega-stress busters?
3. Garlic
Not just for keeping vampires away! Adding garlic to your sauces, dressings and soups is a fool-proof method for how to relieve stress. Adding some garlic bread to your meal may help you to relax and get back in control of your life. Garlic is filled with B vitamins, antioxidants and magnesium; three nutrients which help stop your mind racing with stress and anxiety. Pop some garlic alongside some pasta or into a curry. Or even, hang it around your neck on your trip to Transylvania!
4. Nuts
Nuts are one of the best foods that relieve stress. Not only do they have healthy fats that lower cholesterol, they also help improve heart health and give you slow release, long lasting energy. They’ll be sure to help you get in touch with your inner-self and find a more serene mindframe. If your anxiety levels are driving you nuts, then grab a handful of almonds, cashews or walnuts. These three nuts have shown to be therapeutic effects for relieving stress.
5. Oatmeal
A steaming bowl of porridge in the morning is one of the great foods that relieve stress. Oats help get the calming pleasure hormone serotonin flowing. Oatmeal is one of the best foods for athletes and office workers alike. It takes one minute to make and goes great with any breakfast food. Go for thick cut oats for a longer-lasting effect.
6. Fish
Look to the sea for a foolproof way of dealing with stress. Oily fish, full of healthy omega-3 fats are great for your brain. So, if you have a build up of anxiety and stress, take your trolley to the seafood section at your local supermarket. Salmon is one of the tastiest, healthiest ways to beat stress. Easy to cook, and loaded with enough flavour to cook without added ingredients, salmon is one of the best foods to help reduce stress. If you get fish & chips, skip the chips and skip the stress.
AlgaeCal also has some supplements that provide an even easier way to get your Omega-3s!
7. Milk
One of the easiest and healthiest foods that relieve stress, is milk. Not only is it healthy, it’s easy to drink, inexpensive and available everywhere! Milk is high in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. Additionally, it’s packed full of protein, calcium and potassium. When you feel that stress building up, just pour yourself a glass of milk. For even more ways to get the right balance of vitamins and minerals, check out the Algaecal store for easier ways to get the right nutrients.
These 7 foods are just a few of the many easy methods for how to reduce stress. Once you have your diet under control with these stress busting foods, then you can take control of your headspace and fight against stress and anxiety!
Dara Henneke
November 24, 2015 , 6:10 amI have referred 2 customers with your refer a friend program. One, my mother and the second my husband. Both times I was denied my $25 because they were shipped to the same address. My mother was visiting me- check the cc bill to address and you will see that it isn’t mine, My husband buys his own supplements. I called and was told that according to the “fine print” that shipping to the same address wasn’t allowed. I read your so called fine print again and no where was that mentioned. So I called back. The lady put me on hold and upon her return said that by having “subject to change” in the “fine print”, they could invoke that right.
I am sorry the Algae-Cal has to ask for referrals but can’t deliver. I upheld my part. My mom bought a 6 month supply of your bone builder pack- not cheap for being on a fixed income. My husband will fine something else to try. What a misrepresentation of a good product. Dean- do you know this is happening in your organization?