I’ll be honest with you, I struggle with anxiety. I joke that it’s part of my DNA, but putting jokes aside in real life it can be pretty challenging. With the ongoing pressures of life, deadlines, commitments and unplanned to-do's, it can be easy to overlook the importance of taking care of our bodies. Not only is maintaining a healthy lifestyle important for physical health, but it can also have an effect on our mental health. Eating the right food and living a balanced lifestyle can help us manage stress and anxiety more effectively.
When it comes to diet and lifestyle, what you eat is just as important as how you feel. Healthy eating can help reduce stress and anxiety levels by improving your mood, sleep, and energy levels. The Mediterranean diet, high in fruits,vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and fish, are associated with better overall mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine can help lower your anxiety and stress levels. In stressful times you probably won’t think about what or how your eating.
Another way to support yourself to reduce stress and anxiety is mindful eating. Mindful eating means being aware of and present with each bite of food, noticing its smell, taste, and texture. When eating mindfully, take your time to chew slowly and appreciate your meal. This will help you enjoy your food more and be in tune with your body’s hunger signals. How do you feel after a good walk around your local park? Exercise is a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. It releases endorphins, which can help improve your overall mood and make you feel happier. Exercise can also be an effective form of relaxation, helping to reduce muscle tension and clear your head.
In terms of types of exercises, it is important to find activities that you enjoy and that you can do regularly. It could be anything from dancing to playing sports, walking, yoga or swimming. It does not have to be strenuous exercise -- even taking a 10-minute break to go for a walk can be beneficial reducing anxiety. Nutritional supplements are a great way to support your health at these times, with some specific combinations designed to support anxiety and stress. It is also important to get enough rest. Not getting enough sleep can increase stress and anxiety levels, so try to get at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Additionally, reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine consumption later in the day can help improve your sleep quality and reduce stress levels.
Taking care of your health during stressful times is essential for managing stress and anxiety. By eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise, we can ensure our bodies are well taken care of, while also improving our mental wellbeing.